The vascular system of the upper eyelid. Anatomical study and clinical interest.

Thorough knowledge of the vascular supply is indispensable for repair and oncologic surgery of the eyelids, and has a significant impact on the management of complex defects of this region. This anatomic study was performed with five fresh cadavers after arterial injection of coloured neoprene latex. The distribution of the vascular system of the upper eyelid was examined after dissection and photographic study. It is made up of three arcades: the preseptal arcade, the supratarsal arcade, and the marginal arcade, under the orbicularis oculi muscle. These arcades are supplied by branches of the ophthalmic artery (supraorbital artery, supratrochlear artery and medial palpebral artery) and branches of the facial artery and temporal artery. Small vertical branches arising out of these arcades provide an anastomotic network. This anatomical study aimed to describe the vascular system of the upper eyelid in order to search for constant features and to map the blood supply of the principal upper lid flaps.