Orbital lymphatics: do they exist?

INTRODUCTION: Although the lymphatic system was first described almost 400 years ago, it is only in very recent years that researchers have been able to identify lymphatic channels with reasonable accuracy. Through advances in molecular biology and the development of endothelial cell markers the long held view that the human orbit is devoid of lymphatics has now been challenged. DISCUSSION: This review discusses the current evidence on this topic, which confirms the presence of orbital lymphatics in lachrymal gland and optic nerve sheath.