Lateral tarsal fixation in Caucasians.

PURPOSE

To present the microscopic lateral tarsal fixation findings in Caucasians, focusing on the lateral rectus capsulopalpebral fascia (lrCPF), lateral canthal band (LCB), and the tarsus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seven Caucasian cadavers (13 eyelids: 7 right and 6 left; age range, 78-101 years) were used. Microscopic axial sections parallel to the eyelid margin were made and stained with Masson's trichrome. The first and second sections of the upper eyelids were obtained at 1 mm and 5 mm, respectively, superior to the upper eyelid margin. The first and second sections of the lower eyelid were obtained at 1 mm and 3 mm, respectively, below the lower eyelid margin.

RESULTS

All first sections of the upper eyelids (7 specimens: 3 right and 4 left) showed continuity of the lrCPF with the tarsus. The LCB merged with the lrCPF and connected to the tarsus (3 eyelids) or the muscle of Riolan (4 eyelids). All second sections of the upper eyelids (9 specimens: 4 right and 5 left) showed direct communication of the lrCPF, intermingling with the LCB, with the tarsus. All first sections of the lower eyelids (4 specimens: 2 right and 2 left), showed direct insertions of the lrCPF on the tarsus. The LCB, merging with the lrCPF, communicated with the tarsus and the muscle of Riolan (all 4 eyelids). All second sections of the lower eyelids (7 specimens: 2 right and 5 left) showed direct insertion of the lrCPF, intermingling with the LCB, on the tarsus.

CONCLUSIONS

The lateral aspect of the tarsal plate in Caucasians is supported by the lrCPF and the LCB, similar to that in Asians.