Vortex veins: Anatomic investigations on human eyes

KUTOĞLU T., Yalcin B., Kocabiyik N., Ozan H.

Clinical Anatomy, vol.18, no.4, pp.269-273, 2005 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 18 Issue: 4
  • Publication Date: 2005
  • Doi Number: 10.1002/ca.20092
  • Journal Name: Clinical Anatomy
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.269-273
  • Keywords: vortex vein, sclera, orbit, choroidal detachment, extraocnlar muscle, COMPLICATIONS, DETACHMENT, SURGERY
  • Lokman Hekim University Affiliated: No

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine number of ocular vortex veins, their scleral coordinates, and their relationship with nearby extraocular muscles. Sixty intact cadaver orbits having no history of eye or orbital disorders during life were carefully dissected under stereomicroscopic magnification to expose vortex veins and their exit sites from the eye-ball. The number of vortex veins per eye varied from four to eight. Eyes having four (35%) or five (30%) vortex veins were observed most frequently. Three eyes (5%) had eight vortex veins. Although the incidence of the vortex veins was variable, there was at least one vein in each quadrant of the sclera. Knowledge of the approximate location of the vortex vein exit sites is very important for surgeons because damage to these veins during eye surgery could produce potential complications, especially choroidal detachment. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.