Position of Lower Marginal Arterial Arcade in Relation to Lower Tarsal Plate

To examine the position of the lower marginal arterial arcade (LMA) along the lower tarsal plate in microscopic specimens, particularly its relationship to anatomical landmarks.

Central sagittal sections of 27 lower eyelids (12 right, 10 left) from 15 Japanese cadavers (8 males, 7 females; aged 38-88 years, mean 70.5 years) were histologically examined. Specimens were fixed in 10% formalin and stained with Masson's trichrome. Measurements included the height of the lower tarsal plate and the distance from the lower tarsal edge and the lower eyelid margin to the LMA. Differences related to age (younger group: 38-61 years; older group: 73-88 years), gender, and laterality were analyzed.

Lower tarsal height was significantly greater in females and tended to be larger on the left side. The distance from the lower tarsal edge to the LMA showed no significant differences by age, gender, or laterality. The distance from the lower eyelid margin to the LMA was similar across age and gender groups, but was significantly greater on the left side.

The position of the LMA relative to the lower tarsal edge and the lower eyelid margin was established. When the lower edge of the tarsal plate is visible, the LMA is estimated to be approximately 1.5 mm superior; conversely, when the LMA is identified, the eyelid margin can be assumed to be about 3-4 mm superior to the LMA. These findings describe the LMA location and will assist in safe and reliable lower eyelid surgery.