Surgical Approaches to the Infraorbital Rim and Orbital Floor: The Case for the Subtarsal Approach

Abstract

A variety of surgical approaches to the orbital floor and infraorbital rim exist and can be conveniently categorized as either transcutaneous or transconjunctival. These approaches are widely used for exposure, evaluation, and treatment of orbital trauma, pathology, and cosmesis. While we use both methods, we feel there are advantages of each depending on the surgical plan. For purposes of this article, we will assume that the infraorbital rim and/or floor of the orbit require exposure. We admit that transcutaneous approaches to the orbit may be less useful than the transconjunctival approach when access to the medial wall of the orbit is required.