Lower eyelid retractors in Caucasians

To examine the microscopic anatomic features of lower eyelid retractors in Caucasians, specifically looking for an anatomic division of the retractors into 2 layers, as is present in the Asian eyelid.

Experimental anatomic study.

Seven Caucasian cadavers (13 lower eyelids: 7 right and 6 left).

Sagittal full-thickness sections of the cadaveric lower eyelids were prepared and stained with Masson's trichrome. The specimens were examined microscopically to discern the configuration of the lower eyelid retractors. Micrographs were obtained with a digital camera system attached to the microscope.

Histologic findings of the lower eyelid retractors in Caucasians.

Although 2 specimens were excluded because anatomic details were severely disrupted during slide preparation, all the other samples demonstrated clear double layers of the lower eyelid retractors.

The lower eyelid retractors in Caucasians consist of clear double layers. In this regard, no differences were detected between Caucasian and Asian eyelid anatomic features.