Lacrimal drainage anatomy in the Japanese population

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive and clinically relevant review of the lacrimal drainage anatomy in the Japanese population.

Methods: A thorough search on the lacrimal drainage anatomy in the Japanese population was performed using PubMed and Ichushi Web, which is managed by the Japan Medical Abstracts Society, for related studies up to December 2018. Published books on the same topic were also reviewed. Data from all articles and book chapters were reviewed, analyzed, and incorporated in this review.

Results: This review presents the subparts of the lacrimal drainage anatomy in a chronological manner, from proximal to distal. The location, dimensions, position or angle, histology (with some reference to the essential clinical functions and physiology of the lacrimal drainage system) are described in this review.

Conclusions: Understanding lacrimal drainage anatomy in the Japanese population is essential to provide insight as to how it is important to consider patients as individuals, with unique and specific anatomies, and uphold a patient-specific approach.

Keywords: Anatomy; Japanese; Lacrimal drainage.