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Objective: To describe release of the inferior orbital fissure (IOF) as a novel surgical technique that will improve access to the inferior and inferolateral orbital apex., Design: Laboratory investigation., Participants: Human cadaver heads., Methods: Cadaveric dissection study whereby the technique of an IOF release was performed. A swinging eyelid preseptal approach was used to enable a subperiosteal dissection to the orbital floor without obstruction from orbital fat prolapse. A plane was dissected between periorbita and Muller's muscle, the smooth muscle that overlies the entire length of the IOF. Measurements were taken in the sagittal plane from a point on the inferior orbital rim directly above the infraorbital foramen to the most posterior aspect of the orbital floor., Results: Fifteen orbits from 8 cadaver heads were dissected with the aid of a rigid 0-degree endoscope and microsurgical instruments. This study demonstrated that an additional 10.93 ± 2.10 mm of access to the orbital apex was gained after the release of periorbita from the IOF., Conclusion: We propose that the IOF release can be adopted as an adjunctive technique to orbital surgery of the inferior and inferolateral orbital apex., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To develop and evaluate a transorbital endoscopic approach to the foramen rotundum to excise the maxillary nerve and infraorbital nerve branch., Methods: Cadaveric dissection study of 10 cadaver heads (20 orbits). This technique is predicated upon 1) an inferior orbital fissure release to facilitate access to the orbital apex and 2) the removal of the posterior maxillary wall to enter the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF). Angulations along the infraorbital nerve were quantified as follows: the first angulation was measured between the orbitomaxillary segment within the orbital floor and the pterygopalatine segment suspended within the PPF, while the second angulation was taken between the pterygopalatine segment and maxillary nerve as it exited the foramen rotundum. With refinement of the technique, the minimum amount of posterior maxillary wall removal was quantified in the final 5 cadaver heads (10 orbits)., Results: The mean distance from the inferior orbital rim to the foramen rotundum was 45.55 ± 3.24 mm. The first angulation of the infraorbital nerve was 133.10 ± 16.28 degrees, and the second angulation was 124.95 ± 18.01 degrees. The minimum posterior maxillary wall removal to reach the PPF was 11.10 ± 2.56 mm (vertical) and 11.10 ± 2.08 mm (horizontal)., Conclusions: The transorbital endoscopic approach to an en bloc resection of the infraorbital nerve branch up to its maxillary nerve origin provides a pathway to the PPF. This is relevant for nerve stripping in the context of perineural spread. Other applications include access to the superior portion of the PPF in selective biopsy cases or in concurrent orbital pathology., Competing Interests: The authors have no financial or conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 The American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Inc.)

Objective: To determine normal globe position values, interzygomatic distance (IZD), and globe axial length and width on computed tomography in an Australian cohort., Design: Retrospective cohort study., Participants: Patients who underwent computed tomography of the orbits. Patients with bilateral disease, previous orbital surgery, or poor scan quality were excluded., Methods: An axial slice through the midglobe was used to conduct the globe position measurements. Anterior globe position was defined as the perpendicular distance from the anterior globe margin to the interzygomatic line and posterior globe position as the perpendicular distance from the posterior globe margin to the interzygomatic line., Results: The normal measurements (mean ± SD) were IZD, 97.4 ± 4.1 mm; anterior globe position, 18.8 ± 2.8 mm; posterior globe position, 6.2 ± 2.9 mm; axial globe length, 24.9 ± 1.1 mm; and axial globe width, 25.9 ± 1.2 mm. A significant positive correlation was seen between the IZD and the anterior globe position (r = 0.15, p = 0.03), axial globe length (r = 0.33, p < 0.01), and axial globe width (r = 0.30, p < 0.01)., Conclusion: This normative globe position data may be used to diagnose radiologic exophthalmos or enophthalmos., (Copyright © 2022 Canadian Ophthalmological Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To determine the normal diameters of the extraocular muscles (EOMs) and optic nerve sheath complex (ONSD) and correlate with patient demographics in an Australian cohort., Methods: Consecutive patients who underwent contrast enhanced computed tomography (CT) orbits between December 2017 and March 2021 were included. Patients with bilateral disease, previous orbital surgery, or poor scan quality were excluded. Normal orbit was used in patients with unilateral orbital disease., Results: Two hundred one orbits from 201 patients were included. Normal measurements (mean ± SD) were as follows: medial rectus (MR) 4.22 ± 0.56 mm; inferior rectus (IR) 4.20 ± 0.70 mm; lateral rectus (LR) 3.40 ± 0.56 mm; superior muscle group (SMG) 4.13 ± 0.72 mm; superior oblique (SO) 2.60 ± 0.43 mm; inferior oblique (IO) on quasi-sagittal plane 2.19 ± 0.42 mm, and the ONSD 5.62 ± 0.82 mm. The mean diameters of the LR, SMG, IR, SO, and ONSD were significantly larger in male than female patients (p < .05). Statistically significant correlation was found between age and the diameters of the LR (r = 0.29, p < .01), SMG (r = 0.22, p < .01), IO on a coronal plane (r = -0.18, p < .01), and ONSD (r = 0.16, p = .02)., Conclusion: This normative data may be used to diagnose pathological enlargement of the optic nerve and extraocular muscles, including involvement of the oblique muscles.

Backgrounds/objectives: Intraoperative handling and manipulation of orbital fat remains a challenge to orbital surgeons. We present a case series of endoscopic orbital fat decompression with medial orbital wall decompression for proptosis management in Grave's orbitopathy, describing a technique for fat excision using a laryngeal skimmer blade, reporting clinical and surgical outcomes, and complications., Subjects/methods: All patients who underwent endoscopic orbital fat decompression, with medial orbital wall decompression, for proptosis management in Grave's orbitopathy between 2011 and 2018, under the care of a single surgeon, were included in this retrospective interventional case series., Results: Nineteen patients were included in this study. Using a laryngeal skimmer blade, orbital fat was excised endoscopically at the time of medial orbital wall decompression. The mean volume of orbital fat excised was 1.45 ± 0.63 ml and the mean reduction in proptosis was 4.5 ± 1.02 mm. There were no intraoperative complications., Conclusions: In this study, we describe our experience of using a laryngeal skimmer blade as a method of excising orbital fat for orbital decompression in patients with proptosis secondary to Grave's orbitopathy.

Purpose : We present a series of primary orbital implant replacement for cases of implant exposure to describe our experience of this one-staged surgical approach. Methods : This study reports on a one-stage technique which involved the removal of the exposed implant or dermis fat graft (DFG) and insertion of a secondary (replacement) in the same procedure, with a variety of materials, including autologous tissue. Re-exposure in a socket where a DFG was placed was defined as a new defect in the newly epithelialized conjunctiva or dehiscence of the dermis-conjunctiva junction. All cases of primary replacement for the management of exposed orbital implant, porous and non-porous, were included, even when there were clinical signs suggestive of infection. The primary outcome was the rate of re-exposure, requiring additional surgical procedures. Infection following primary replacement was a secondary outcome. Results : Seventy-eight patients had primary replacement for the management of an exposed orbital implant. 6.4% had re-exposure at a mean follow-up of 49.7 months (9.1% for ball implants and 4.5% for DFG). The rate of exposure was higher in those with prior signs of infection than those without (8% vs. 3.6%). Re-exposure occurred in 4.5% of cases with DFG implantation, 4.3% of cases with non-porous implants and in 20% of cases with porous implants. Conclusion : Primary replacement for management of exposed orbital implant, porous and non-porous, has a high rate of successful outcome even in cases with presumed or confirmed infection.

Cerebrospinal fluid leaks are rarely encountered by orbital surgeons, but can occur during dacryocystorhinostomy, orbital decompression, orbital exenteration, and enucleation. The authors present a case of cerebrospinal fluid leak from an injury to the orbital roof during orbital exenteration with the use of monopolar cautery. This was repaired with multilayer closure. Surgeons performing orbital exenteration must be aware of the possibility of this complication when using monopolar electrocautery to transect the orbital contents at the apex during an exenteration.Injury to the orbital roof with monopolar cautery during orbital exenteration can result in cerebrospinal fluid leak, and orbital surgeons must be aware of the possibility of its occurrence.

Purpose: To describe a modified technique of endoscopic orbital decompression for dysthyroid optic neuropathy nonresponsive to pulsed corticosteroids., Methods: Retrospective, interventional single centre case series included 17 consecutive patients with dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) who were refractory to pulse corticosteroids. Removal of the posteromedial floor and the orbital process of palatine bone (OPPB) was performed in addition to the endoscopic transethmoidal medial orbital wall decompression (ETMOWD), to achieve maximal orbital apex decompression. Main outcome measures were change in visual acuity (VA), color vision, degree of proptosis reduction, incidence of new-onset diplopia, and any complications., Results: Seventeen eyes (100%) had a statistically significant improvement in VA from 1.0 ± 0.44 LogMAR to 0.0 ± 0.15, with an average improvement of 0.41 ± 0.30 LogMAR (p 0.05, paired t-test). Fourteen out of 16 eyes had a complete improvement in color vision and two eyes had partial recovery. Afferent pupillary defect (76.5%) resolved in all cases. Five out of 10 cases with preoperative visual field defects demonstrated no residual field defects following surgery. The range of proptosis reduction was 0-5 mm (mean 2.7 ± 1.3 mm). No patients with diplopia (12/17) had worsening or developed new-onset diplopia following surgery., Conclusion: Combined removal of the posterior medial floor including the OPPB with ETMOWD may be a viable alternative in the surgical management of DON.

The authors describe the case of an 11-year-old boy with no history of prior trauma, who experienced acute proptosis and visual loss while showering. Diagnostic carotid artery angiography revealed an orbital lymphatic-venous malformation (LVM) concomitant with an intraorbital arteriovenous fistula. The patient was treated with transvenous coil and N-butyl cyanoacrylate glue embolization, combined with direct percutaneous glue injection into the LVM followed by excision. There was good clinical and radiological response without recurrence at the 2-year follow-up. Diagnostic carotid angiography should be considered in cases of orbital LVM, as a concomitant arteriovenous fistula might be present in rare cases.

A 53-year-old Afghan man presented with a 12-month history of left proptosis, diplopia and facial swelling 20 years after a bomb blast injury. Magnetic resonance and computed tomography imaging revealed a well-circumscribed lesion centred within the left inferior orbit/superior maxillary sinus along with left orbital fracture. Histopathology and immunostaining of the debulked lesion were consistent with traumatic neuroma of the infraorbital nerve. Infraorbital neuromas have developed following orbital decompression surgeries but have not been reported previously following non-surgical trauma.

Objective: To describe a novel approach to orbital decompression for dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON)., Methods: An augmented endoscopic transethmoid medial orbital wall decompression (ETMOWD) was performed on 43 consecutive patients (72 eyes) with DON in order to access the orbital apex adequately. Concurrently, endoscopic transethmoid fat decompression (ETFD) using a novel aspiration/cutting instrument to remove orbital fat was performed for further reduction of proptosis. All patients were followed up periodically for at least 6 months. Outcomes such as improvement of visual acuity (VA), color vision, degree of proptosis reduction as well as the incidence of surgical induced diplopia were analyzed at the final review., Results: Sixty-nine out of 72 eyes (95.8%) had a statistically significant improvement in VA from -0.65 ± 0.30 to -0.25 ± 0.22 postoperatively, with a mean improvement of 0.55 ± 0.17 (p < 0.001). Thirty-four out of 45 eyes had an improvement in color vision (p < 0.001). The range of proptosis reduction was 4 to 9 mm (mean 6.2 ± 1.2 mm). Postoperative symmetry was achieved to within 2 mm using an exophthalmometer in 39 of 43 patients (90.7%). Five patients developed diplopia in the postoperative phase, but had complete resolution within 3 months. Two patients had further deterioration in their diplopia following surgery., Conclusion: Our technique of a combined ETFD with ETMOWD appears to be effective in managing patients with DON, with minimal morbidities and a low incidence of postoperative diplopia.

Background/aims: To clarify the pathogenesis of fibrosis in inflammatory orbital diseases, we analysed the gene expression in orbital biopsies and compared our results with those reported for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis., Methods: We collected 140 biopsies from 138 patients (58 lacrimal glands; 82 orbital fat). Diagnoses included healthy controls (n=27), non-specific orbital inflammation (NSOI) (n=61), thyroid eye disease (TED) (n=29), sarcoidosis (n=14) and granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) (n=7). Fibrosis was scored on a 0-3 scale by two experts, ophthalmic pathologists. Gene expression was quantified using Affymetrix U133 plus 2.0 microarray., Results: Within orbital fat, fibrosis was greatest among subjects with GPA (2.75±0.46) and significantly increased in tissue from subjects with GPA, NSOI or sarcoidosis (p<0.01), but not for TED, compared with healthy controls (1.13±0.69). For lacrimal gland, the average score among controls (1.36±0.48) did not differ statistically from any of the four disease groups. Seventy-three probe sets identified transcripts correlating with fibrosis in orbital fat (false discovery rate <0.05) after accounting for batch effects, disease type, age and sex. Transcripts with increased expression included fibronectin, lumican, thrombospondin and collagen types I and VIII, each of which has been reported upregulated in pulmonary fibrosis., Conclusions: A pathologist's recognition of fibrosis in orbital tissue correlates well with increased expression of transcripts that are considered essential in fibrosis. Many transcripts implicated in orbital fibrosis have been previously implicated in pulmonary fibrosis. TED differs from other causes of orbital fat inflammation because fibrosis is not a major component. Marked fibrosis is less common in the lacrimal gland compared with orbital adipose tissue., (Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.)

A 57-year-old woman with cutaneous manifestations of (BRBNS) presented with acute left proptosis and venous congestion secondary to thrombosis within a superior ophthalmic vein varix. Multiple phleboliths were noted in the contralateral right orbit, and an incidental right middle cerebral artery aneurysm. Her symptoms spontaneously resolved within a few days. An English literature review found 7 reported cases of orbital vascular lesions in association with BRBNS from 1950 to 2012. All lesions showed contrast enhancement on CT or MRI: 4 had small orbital calcifications and 3 were distensible with raised venous pressure. The occurrence of a thrombosed orbital varix or cerebral artery aneurysm in BRBNS, to the best of the authors' knowledge, has not been previously reported. Although orbital vascular lesions in BRBNS have been described as hemangiomas, the biologic behavior and histology of most of the reported orbital lesions are most compatible with venous malformations.

Objective: IgG4-related disease is an emerging clinical entity which frequently involves tissue within the orbit. In order to appreciate the implications of IgG4 immunostaining, we analyzed gene expression and the prevalence of IgG4- immunostaining among subjects with orbital inflammatory diseases., Methods: We organized an international consortium to collect orbital biopsies from 108 subjects including 22 with no known orbital disease, 42 with nonspecific orbital inflammatory disease (NSOI), 26 with thyroid eye disease (TED), 12 with sarcoidosis, and 6 with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). Lacrimal gland and orbital adipose tissue biopsies were immunostained for IgG4 or IgG secreting plasma cells. RNA transcripts were quantified by Affymetrix arrays., Results: None of the healthy controls or subjects with TED had substantial IgG4 staining. Among the 63 others, the prevalence of significant IgG4-immunostaining ranged from 11 to 39% depending on the definition for significant. IgG4 staining was detectable in the majority of tissues from subjects with GPA and less commonly in tissue from subjects with sarcoidosis or NSOI. The detection of IgG4+ cells correlated with inflammation in the lacrimal gland based on histology. IgG4 staining tissue expressed an increase in transcripts associated with inflammation, especially B cell-related genes. Functional annotation analysis confirmed this., Conclusion: IgG4+ plasma cells are common in orbital tissue from patients with sarcoidosis, GPA, or NSOI. Even using the low threshold of 10 IgG4+ cells/high powered field, IgG4 staining correlates with increased inflammation in the lacrimal gland based on histology and gene expression.

Purpose: To determine the narrowest diameter of the bony nasolacrimal canal., Methods: Fifty-eight bony nasolacrimal canals from 29 Japanese cadavers (12 men and 17 women; average age at death, 83.4 years; range, 70-99 years) had been fixed in 10% buffered formalin before use. After exposing the medial (44 canals) or posterior half (14 canals) of the bony nasolacrimal canal, the part with the shortest anteroposterior or transverse diameter was determined on inspection. These positions from the canal entrance were measured, and the distance ratio, indicating where the shortest diameter was located in relation to the total length of the canal, was calculated., Results: The shortest anteroposterior and transverse diameters were at the entrance to the canal in 32 of 44 canals (72.7%) and in 9 of 14 canals (64.3%), respectively. In the other canals, the shortest anteroposterior and transverse diameters were located at an average of 3.6 and 5.6 mm from the entrance, and the distance ratios were 29.0% and 46.7%, respectively. The mean shortest anteroposterior and transverse diameters were 5.6 and 5.6 mm, respectively., Conclusions: The shortest anteroposterior and transverse diameters were at the entrance of the canal in most of the bony nasolacrimal canals. These results are comparable with the rate of obstruction at the canal entrance in primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

Purpose: To examine the relative positions of the lacrimal fossa (LF) and the bony nasolacrimal canal (BNLC) in relation to each other and a reference plane., Methods: Forty-two orbits and BNLCs from 21 Asian cadavers (9 men and 12 women; average age at death, 84.4 years; range, 70-99 years) had been fixed in 10% buffered formalin before use. After exposing the LF and the medial half of the BNLC, the authors measured the angles of the longitudinal axis of the LF and the BNLC relative to the aesthetic horizontal plane respectively. Based on these values, the relative orientation of the LF and the BNLC was determined and defined in terms of Δ BNLC-LF. A positive Δ BNLC-LF represents a nasolacrimal canal that descends posteriorly relative to the LF., Results: The mean LF, BNLC, and Δ BNLC-LF were 9.5°, 19.8°, and 10.3°, respectively. In 39 passages (92.9%), the Δ BNLC-LF was positive, representing a nasolacrimal canal that is more posteriorly oriented than the LF. In 3 passages (7.1%), the Δ BNLC-LF was equal to or less than 0°; 2 of them (4.8%) had a straight course and 1 passage (2.4%) had a negative value., Conclusions: In most patients, the BNLC is directed more posteriorly than the LF. This finding may help in preventing an inadvertent false passage during probing and intubation in patients with epiphora.

Purpose: To present the anatomical characteristics of the superior border of the lateral orbital wall and thereby reduce the risk of inadvertent dural damage during deep lateral orbital wall decompression., Methods: Twenty-five orbits (13 right and 12 left) of 13 Asian cadavers (6 men and 7 women) aged 61 to 93 years at death (average, 79.5 years) were used. After removing the orbital content, the lateral orbital wall, and the skull and brain, the superior border of the lateral orbital wall was exposed, which was analyzed from an orbital cavity view and an intracranial cavity view., Results: The anterior part of the superior border of the lateral orbital wall is parallel with the orbital roof; however, more posteriorly, as the orbital roof curves inferiorly, they become perpendicular. The cortical bone conspicuously separates the thin superior border from the orbital roof. In the junction between the superior and the posterior borders, a thick bone marrow exists. Complete removal of this bone marrow resulted in penetration in the junction of the anterior and middle cranial fossae., Conclusion: The authors documented the anatomy of the superior border of the lateral orbital wall, including the different relative positions between the superior border and the orbital roof in the anterior and posterior parts of the orbit. To avoid dural exposure, the cortical bone should not be exposed at the junction between the superior and posterior borders of the lateral orbital wall, which corresponds to the junction of the anterior and middle cranial fossae.

Purpose: To describe a case series of patients with anterior orbital invasion by medial canthal basal cell carcinoma (BCC) managed with non-exenterating surgery., Design: International, multicenter, retrospective, noncomparative, consecutive case series., Participants: Twenty patients identified from the individual institutions' databases with histologically confirmed orbital invasion by periocular BCC., Methods: Examination of charts, relevant imaging, and histopathologic data., Main Outcome Measures: Demographics; clinical characteristics and radiologic features; histopathologic features; surgical techniques for excision, reconstruction, and subsequent procedures; complications; visual acuity; and recurrence., Results: Twenty patients were identified. Twelve of 20 patients (60%) had recurrent BCCs, with 1 patient having had prior radiotherapy for previously incomplete excision. Eighteen of 20 patients (90%) had a palpable mass, 16 of 20 patients (80%) had clinical involvement of the nasolacrimal system, and 1 of 20 patients (5%) had limited extraocular movements. Preoperative radiologic evidence of orbital invasion was found in 10 of 20 patients (50%). Histologic evidence of orbital invasion was present in every patient, the subtypes being infiltrative (9/20, 45%), nodular (4/20, 20%), micronodular (2/20, 10%), multifocal (1/20, 5%), and mixed (4/20, 20%); extratumoral perineural invasion was present in 1 patient (5%). Final margins were clear in 18 of 20 patients (90%), positive in 1 of 20 patients (5%), and unclear in 1 of 20 patients (5%). Reconstruction was by direct closure in 1 patient and by a variety of standard oculoplastic flaps and grafts in 19 of 20 patients (95%). Twelve of 20 patients (60%) had postoperative extraocular muscle movement restriction, and 15 of 20 patients (75%) had epiphora. Subsequent revision procedures were needed in 12 of 20 patients (60%), including insertion of a lacrimal bypass tube and revision of medial canthal position. At a mean follow-up of 38 months, 18 of 20 patients (90%) were still alive (2 deaths due to other causes) with 1 recurrence (exenterated). Postoperative visual acuity was within 2 Snellen lines of preoperative visual acuity in 17 of 20 patients (85%)., Conclusions: With careful planning and margin control, conservative surgery in this highly selected group proved possible with a low rate of disease recurrence, albeit with a relatively short follow-up. Postoperative complications, such as epiphora and ophthalmoplegia, were largely expected; most patients underwent subsequent revision procedures to address these and other complications., Financial Disclosure(s): The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article., (Copyright © 2010 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

A detailed understanding of the relationship between the ethmoidal sinus and the intracranial cavity is essential to prevent intracranial penetration during orbital surgery. The authors analyzed 10 postmortem orbits with their adjacent skull bases of 5 Asian cadavers (3 males and 2 females; mean age of 80 years at death). After removing all orbital contents, skull and brain, the medial orbital wall, ethmoidal cells, and ethmoidal roof were also removed. From the intracranial cavity view, the ethmoidal roof was situated just lateral to the cribriform plate. From the orbital view, the location of the roof was close to the superior border of the medial orbital wall. These anatomical observations may be useful to prevent intracranial penetration and cerebrospinal fluid leakage during medial orbital wall decompression.

Purpose: To characterize the attachment site of the orbital septum on the levator aponeurosis and the anatomic level of the inferior end of the preaponeurotic fat pad, both in Asians and whites., Materials and Methods: Full-thickness sagittal sections of upper eyelids, fixed in 10% buffered formalin, were microscopically examined in 18 postmortem upper eyelids of 10 Asian cadavers (mean death age, 78 years; age range, 68-89 years) and 11 postmortem upper eyelids of 7 whites (mean death age, 88 years; age range, 78-101 years). We measured the distance from the superior tarsal border to the attachment site of the orbital septum on the levator aponeurosis based on the position of the distal end of the anterior layer of the levator aponeurosis. In addition, the position of the inferior end of the preaponeurotic fat pad was simultaneously measured from the superior tarsal border., Results: The average distance from the superior tarsal border to the distal end of the anterior layer of the levator aponeurosis was 4.44 mm in Asians and 3.71 mm in whites (p = 0.412). The average distance from the superior tarsal plate border to the preaponeurotic fat pad was 1.90 mm in Asians and 3.17 mm in whites (p = 0.173)., Conclusions: The distance from the orbital septum attachment site on the levator aponeurosis to the superior tarsal border is similar in Asians and whites. However, there is some tendency, although not statistically significant, to a lower extension of the preaponeurotic fat pad in Asians.

Purpose: To examine the structure of the distal levator superioris muscle and the origin of the Müller muscle., Design: Experimental dissectional study., Methods: Specimens from 10 postmortem upper eyelids and orbits of 7 white cadavers (6 right eyes and 4 left eyes; age range, 78 to 101 years of age at death; age average, 87.7 years) were used for microscopic observations. The upper eyelids and orbits with sagittal full-thickness sections of the central part were examined microscopically using Masson trichrome staining., Results: Sections from 9 of the specimens were suitable for analysis. The levator superioris muscle divided into a superior and an inferior branch by connective tissue in the peripheral region in all 9 samples. Although the thickness of each branch varied, that of the superior branch tended to be thicker than that of the inferior branch. In 8 specimens of 7 cadavers, the Müller muscle originated from the distal end of the inferior branch of the levator superioris muscle. In one specimen, the Müller muscle originated from the distal end as well as the posterior aspect of the levator superioris muscle. The levator aponeurosis originated from the superior branch., Conclusions: The distal levator superioris muscle consisted of a branched structure, and the Müller muscle originated from the inferior branch of the levator superioris muscle.

Purpose: To examine the anatomic relationships between the preaponeurotic fat pad, orbital septum, and the distal end of the anterior layer of the levator aponeurosis (DEALLA) in relation to the superior tarsal plate border., Design: Prospective, clinical case series and experimental anatomic study., Participants: Twenty-two upper eyelids in 11 Asian patients (average age, 76.5 years) and 10 postmortem upper eyelid specimens of 7 Asians (average age, 81 years)., Methods: The relationships between the orbital septum, DEALLA, preaponeurotic fat pad, and the superior tarsal plate border were examined in vivo, during upper blepharoplasty. In cadavers, the orbital septum was exposed and excised from the DEALLA, and the distance from the superior tarsal plate border to the DEALLA was measured at 3 points: the center of the palpebral width, and 2 points located 7 mm medial and lateral to the center., Main Outcome Measures: The anatomic relationships of the orbital septum, DEALLA, and the preaponeurotic fat pad with the superior tarsal plate border., Results: In vivo, the DEALLA was always located above the superior tarsal plate border, and the lower margin of the preaponeurotic fat was always positioned below the DEALLA and around the superior tarsal plate border. The lateral preaponeurotic fat in 4 eyelids showed extension beyond the superior tarsal border. In cadavers, the average distance from the superior tarsal plate border to the DEALLA was 3.7 mm centrally, 3.0 mm medially, and 0.9 mm laterally. In 3 specimens, the confluent part of the orbital septum and the levator aponeurosis reached the tarsus in the lateral area., Conclusions: Orbital septum attachment on the levator aponeurosis in Asians seems to be situated above the superior tarsal plate border in vivo, but the preaponeurotic fat extends beyond the DEALLA, sometimes reaching the tarsal plate. In some cadavers, the confluent part was found to be situated on the tarsus laterally.

Background: To determine normal exophthalmometric values for a Sri Lankan population and investigate their demographic, physical, refractive and ocular biometric correlates., Methods: The Kandy Eye study was a population-based, cross-sectional study. By randomized cluster sampling, 1721 eligible participants, who were 40 years old and over were identified; 1375 participated. Exophthalmometry was performed with Hertel's exophthalmometer. Participants' demographics including age, gender and ethnicity were recorded. Height, weight, body mass index, non-cycloplegic refraction and ocular biometry were measured with standardized methods. Summary statistical analysis was performed for exophthalmometric values and relationships with other factors were tested using Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient analysis, standard single and multiple linear regression analysis., Results: A total of 1341 subjects were included in the analysis. Exophthalmometric values for the population had a mean of 15.82 mm, standard deviation of 2.73 mm and range of 10.46-21.28 mm. Exophthalmometric values for men were significantly higher than women. There were no significant differences between the racial groups' exophthalmometric values (Sinhalese, Tamils, Moors). Exophthalmometric values were significantly correlated with age, gender, height, weight, body mass index, base and axial length but not to refractive spherical equivalents. Only gender, weight, base and axial length were independent predictors for exophthalmometric values after adjusting for confounders., Conclusion: In this Sri Lankan population, our study provided the first reported estimates of a normal exophthalmometric range and determined gender, weight, base and axial length as its correlates. Sri Lankans are the first population to demonstrate this relationship between weight and exophthalmometric values and also showed that refraction is not a cause for pseudo-proptosis.

We describe a vertical lid split orbitotomy approach to perform optic nerve sheath fenestration which was done in a patient with idiopathic intracranial hypertension. A vertical lid split incision was used to enter the superomedial orbit and approach the optic nerve sheath. This approach resulted in a successful nerve sheath fenestration, with improvement in the patient's symptoms. The vertical lid split incision provides access to the optic nerve sheath with minimal morbidity and may be an option for optic nerve sheath decompression.

We report a case of pulsating enophthalmos secondary to orbital varix associated with orbital bony defects. A 64-year-old female with pulsating enophthalmos of the right eye was found to have a right orbital mass with bony defects of the orbit. Valsalva maneuver failed to induce proptosis. The diagnosis of orbital varix was confirmed by exploratory orbitotomy. During general anesthesia for orbitotomy, proptosis of the right eye was noted. Ophthalmologists should be aware of the association between orbital varices and cranial bony defects and encephaloceles. Proptosis induced by general anesthesia and positive pressure ventilation suggests an underlying distensible venous anomaly.

The authors report 2 patients with idiopathic sclerosing inflammation of the orbit who presented with periorbital paresthesia in the trigeminal nerve distribution. The diagnosis in both cases was confirmed with biopsy and both patients responded to corticosteroid treatment. Although periorbital paresthesia is usually a sign of malignancy, these cases illustrate that it may also occur in patients with sclerosing orbital inflammation.

Objective: To present the clinical features, management, and outcomes in a series of patients with orbital arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)., Methods: Clinical records of patients with orbital AVMs confirmed using angiography were reviewed as a retrospective, noncomparative, interventional case series., Results: Eight patients (3 women and 5 men) with unilateral AVMs and a mean age of 39 years (median, 36.5 years; range, 26-70 years) were reviewed. Findings existed for an average of 11.2 years before diagnosis and included periocular mass (7 patients, 88%); periocular edema, pulsation/bruit, proptosis, episcleral congestion, and previous trauma (4 patients each, 50%); elevated intraocular pressure (3 patients, 38%); pain and reduced visual acuity (2 patients each, 25%); and restriction of extraocular movements, and diplopia (1 patient each, 12%). All of the patients except 1 underwent surgical resection, with 3 (38%) receiving preoperative embolization of feeder vessels; all of the patients had initial resolution of manifestations after treatment., Conclusions: Angiography is essential for diagnosis and for planning the management of orbital AVMs. Treatment depends on patient-specific features and includes observation, embolization, and surgical excision or combined preoperative embolization/excision. Given their vascular nature, the main cause of poor management outcomes is perioperative hemorrhage. Outcomes after a multidisciplinary approach are good, with few recurrences reported at follow-up.

Cerebrospinal fluid leakage is an uncommon but significant complication of orbital and rarely lacrimal surgery which may have serious consequences including death. In a retrospective review of four orbital units, we report an incidence of cerebrospinal fluid leak (diagnosed intraoperatively) during exenteration, orbital decompression, and dacryocystorhinostomy of 1/154 (0.6%), 4/397 (1%), and 0/3,504 (0%), respectively. We found two additional cases of cerebrospinal fluid leaks associated with excision of orbital masses involving the orbital roof. In the literature, the incidence of cerebrospinal fluid leaks associated with orbital exenterations and decompressions was 1.6-16.7% and 0-10%, respectively. Cerebrospinal fluid leaks occur very rarely in dacryocystorhinostomies with only a few case reports found in the literature. Preventative measures, diagnosis, and management of this complication are discussed. Knowledge of anatomy and thorough preoperative assessment may predict areas at high risk for encountering cerebrospinal fluid leaks. Proper surgical technique further minimizes the risk for this complication. If a cerebrospinal fluid leak occurs, however, prompt diagnosis and management usually results in uncomplicated recovery.

A 59-year-old woman with congenital orbital fibrosis with ptosis and enophthalmos underwent surgery to widen the palpebral fissures, which resulted in an acceptable cosmetic appearance. This is a rare entity that has been classified as a subtype of congenital fibrosis of the extraocular muscles. However, after a review of literature we believe that congenital orbital fibrosis should be considered a separate entity: it is unilateral, diffusely involves the orbit (not just the extraocular muscles) and does not appear to have a hereditary predisposition.

Minimally invasive "keyhole" surgery performed using endoscopic visualization is increasing in popularity and is being used by almost all surgical subspecialties. Within ophthalmology, however, endoscopic surgery is not commonly performed and there is little literature on the use of the endoscope in orbital surgery. Transorbital use of the endoscope can greatly aid in visualizing orbital roof lesions and minimizing the need for bone removal. The endoscope is also useful during decompression procedures and as a teaching aid to train orbital surgeons. In this article, we review the history of endoscopic orbital surgery and provide an overview of the technique and describe situations where the endoscope can act as a useful adjunct to orbital surgery.

Objective: To present findings of a pilot study on intraorbital corticosteroid therapy in the management of idiopathic orbital inflammation., Methods: This prospective, noncomparative, interventional case series included patients with clinically, radiologically, and histologically confirmed idiopathic orbital inflammation with an anterior orbital mass. Twenty to 40 mg/mL of triamcinolone acetonide was injected intraorbitally (intralesionally or perilesionally) in all patients. The injection was repeated at 4-week intervals if complete resolution was not achieved. Patients were assessed for local and systemic complications of corticosteroid injection. Visual acuity, fundus examination, intraocular pressure, blood pressure, and serum glucose levels were measured at each visit., Results: Ten patients (5 men and 5 women; mean age, 49.8 years [age range, 25-82 years]) received treatment. In 4 patients, an orbital mass was noted; in 6 patients, the lacrimal gland was involved (dacryoadenitis). Substantial improvement (1 patient) or complete resolution (8 patients) was noted during a follow-up of 9.8 months (range, 3-24 months)., Conclusion: Intraorbital injection of a corticosteroid is an effective treatment for idiopathic orbital inflammation and may be considered first-line treatment in selected patients.

Purpose: To report the incidence, characteristics, and management of sino-orbital fistulas, a complication of orbital exenteration., Design: Retrospective interventional case series., Participants: One hundred ten patients who underwent orbital exenteration at 2 orbital units., Methods: Retrospective chart review of all cases of orbital exenteration between 1993 and 2005 at one orbital unit and between 1999 and 2005 at a second orbital unit., Main Outcome Measures: Incidence of sino-orbital fistulas., Results: Seventy-three and 37 orbital exenterations were performed at the first and second orbital units, respectively. Five patients developed sino-orbital fistulas, 1 of whom developed 2 fistulas at separate sites. In the first unit, 4 fistulas developed in 3 of 73 (4.1%) patients who underwent orbital exenteration. In the second unit, 2 fistulas developed in 2 of 37 (5.4%) exenterated orbits. The majority (5/6) of fistulas occurred medially to the ethmoid sinus, whereas 1 occurred superiorly to the frontal sinus. Risk factors that may have contributed to fistula formation include radiotherapy (3/6), sinus disease (3/6), intraoperative penetration into a sinus (3/6), and immunocompromise (1/6). Management was tailored to the individual case and ranged from conservative socket hygiene to surgical repair with grafts or flaps. Four of the 6 fistulas recurred after repair. Three of these subsequently were closed successfully. Only 1 fistula persisted until the patient died from malignant disease., Conclusions: Sino-orbital fistulas are uncommon but not rare complications of orbital exenteration that may be predicted by several risk factors. Bothersome symptoms may necessitate treatment, which can range from conservative management to surgical repair with various grafts or flaps. Despite repair, fistulas may be difficult to eradicate.

Objective: To perform a multicenter review of the clinical features and treatment of 31 patients with idiopathic sclerosing orbital inflammation., Methods: We included all patients with histologically confirmed idiopathic sclerosing orbital inflammation from 5 regional orbital centers. We reviewed the case notes to determine the clinical presentation, diagnostic features, and response to treatment. The main outcome measures were duration and nature of symptoms, anatomical location of disease, histopathological findings, treatment modalities, treatment efficacy and adverse effects, and final clinical status., Results: We included 13 male and 18 female patients ranging in age from 7 to 83 years. The average duration of symptoms at presentation was 13.4 months. There was a predilection for the lateral and superior quadrants. Thirteen patients had apical disease, and 4 had extraorbital involvement. Histopathological findings invariably showed sclerosis associated with a sparse mixed cellular infiltrate. Twenty-seven patients were treated with oral prednisolone, response to which was good in 9 patients, partial in 11, and poor in 7. Six patients were treated with a second-line immunosuppressive agent, and 6 received radiotherapy. The response to radiotherapy was generally poor., Conclusions: Idiopathic sclerosing orbital inflammation is a rare condition that can be difficult to diagnose and manage. Early intervention with immunosuppression in the form of corticosteroids combined with second-line agents can result in control and even regression of the disease.

Purpose: Esthesioneuroblastoma is a rare malignancy arising from the olfactory mucosa in the nasal fossa, which can invade the orbit producing ophthalmic symptoms and signs. The purpose of this study was to present a case series and review the literature to assess the characteristics of orbital involvement by esthesioneuroblastoma., Methods: Retrospective case series of all patients treated for biopsy-proven esthesioneuroblastoma at the Royal Adelaide Hospital between 1992 and 2004., Results: Nine patients (5 male, 4 female) with a mean age of 50 years (range, 20 to 66 years) were reviewed. One case was classified as Kadish stage A, 1 as Kadish stage B, and 7 as Kadish stage C. Mean time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis was 17 months (range, 2 to 24 months). Radiologic orbital invasion was present in 4 cases and was associated with ophthalmic symptoms or signs in 3 of these cases. These included proptosis (2 cases), periorbital pain (1 case), decreased visual acuity (1 case), extraocular muscle restriction (1 case), and chemosis (1 case). One patient with symptoms secondary to orbital invasion was initially referred to and assessed by an ophthalmologist. All patients who had or went on to have development of orbital invasion had advanced disease at diagnosis. Treatment was surgical (9/9), with the addition of radiotherapy (6/9) and chemotherapy (2/9). Mean follow-up was 3.6 years (range, 0.5 to 8.5 years). Six of 9 patients had tumor recurrence. Two had metastasis. Five of 9 patients remained alive., Conclusions: Orbital invasion by esthesioneuroblastoma is not uncommon. It is important to be aware of this malignancy because a significant proportion of patients will present with ophthalmic signs and symptoms.

A 54-year-old man presented with left intraconal cavernous haemangioma resulting in globe compression and hyperopia. The tumour was excised completely via lateral orbitotomy approach. Complete excision of tumour did not result in resolution of globe flattening and hyperopia after 21 months. Persistent globe flattening despite removal of a longstanding orbital tumour may be caused by remodelling of the sclera from long-term compression.

Purpose: The authors report the novel use of the video-endoscope as an adjunct in teaching orbital surgery, in particular within the sub-periosteal orbital space. This is of most use during situations where visualisation is of critical importance and direct supervision is not possible., Materials and Methods: This technique was used for 16 cases of orbital surgery during a 12-month period. There were 5 orbital fracture repairs, 8 orbital decompressions (4 via a swinging eyelid and 4 via a transcaruncular approach), an infraorbital nerve biopsy, an eosinophilic granuloma and an orbitofrontal cholesterol granuloma. All procedures were performed by the trainee under consultant supervision with the endoscope being used when direct visualisation was not possible for the consultant. A rigid Storz 3-chip video-endoscope with 0, 30 and 70-degree tips was used to enable visual supervision., Results: The endoscope was of particular use in procedures involving the posterior orbital floor, orbital roof and medial orbital wall. It also enabled safe supervision of curettage of an orbital roof lesion which abutted the dura. The technique was easy to use; it provided good local illumination and a magnified view for supervision., Conclusion: This technique is a valuable adjunct in allowing the trainee to safely perform selected complex orbital surgery under video-endoscopic supervision.

Orbital foreign bodies may be difficult to diagnose clinically and radiologically. In cases where a foreign body is suspected, both the mechanism of injury and the composition of the offending material need to be taken into account. A case is described of an orbital foreign body misdiagnosed as a superior orbital rim fracture, resulting in persistent ptosis and diplopia, and leading to delayed recovery for the patient, a commercial airline pilot.

PurposeTo identify risk factors for the development of new-onset, postoperative diplopia following orbital decompression surgery based on patient demographics, clinical exam characteristics, radiographic parameters, and surgical techniques.MethodsWe conducted a multi-center retrospective chart review of patients who underwent orbital decompression for thyroid eye disease (TED). Patient demographics, including age, gender, smoking history, preoperative exophthalmometry, clinical activity score (CAS), use of peribulbar and/or systemic steroids, and type of orbital decompression were reviewed. Postoperative diplopia was determined at a minimum of 3 months postoperatively and before any further surgeries. Cross-sectional area ratios of each extraocular muscle to orbit and total fat to orbit were calculated from coronal imaging in a standard fashion. All measurements were carried out using PACS imaging software. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was performed using Stata 14.2 (StataCorp, College Station, TX).ResultsA total of 331 patients without preoperative diplopia were identified. At 3 months postoperatively, 249 patients had no diplopia whereas 82 patients developed diplopia. The average postoperative follow-up was 22 months (range 3-156) months. Significant preoperative clinical risk factors for postoperative diplopia included older age at surgery, proptosis, use of peribulbar or systemic steroids, elevated clinical activity score, and presence of preoperative compressive optic neuropathy. Imaging findings of enlarged cross-sectional areas of each rectus muscle to the overall orbital area also conferred a significant risk of postoperative diplopia. Regarding surgical factors, postoperative diplopia was more common among those undergoing medial wall decompression, bilateral orbital surgery, and balanced decompression, whereas endoscopic medial wall decompression was found to be relatively protective.ConclusionsThis study identifies risk factors associated with the development of diplopia following orbital decompression using multivariable data. This study demonstrates that several characteristics including age, clinical activity score, the cross-sectional muscle to orbit ratios, in addition to the type of orbital decompression surgery, are predictive factors for the development of new-onset postoperative diplopia.