Lower eyelid retractors in Caucasians.
OBJECTIVE
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.


METHODS
Experimental anatomic study.


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


METHODS
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.


METHODS
Histologic findings of the lower eyelid retractors in Caucasians.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Department of Ophthalmology, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Aichi, Japan. cosme@d1.dion.ne.jp
Hirohiko
H
Kakizaki
WengOnn
W
Chan
Simon N
SN
Madge
Raman
R
Malhotra
Dinesh
D
Selva
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000718:Anatomy, Regional; D001391:Azo Compounds; D004396:Coloring Agents; D004801:Eosine Yellowish-(YS); D005143:Eyelids / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005152:Facial Muscles / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006801:Humans; D008739:Methyl Green; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D009801:Oculomotor Muscles / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D044465:White People
D001391:Azo Compounds; D004396:Coloring Agents; C017768:trichrome stain; D008739:Methyl Green; D004801:Eosine Yellowish-(YS)