What is the fascia bulbi and what is its function?

The fascia bulbi (Tenon’s capsule) is a thin, fibrous sheath that surrounds the eyeball from the optic nerve to the sclerocorneal junction. It lies between the sclera and orbital fat, providing a smooth socket for free movement of the eyeball within the orbit.

What structures pass through or pierce the fascia bulbi?

The fascia bulbi is pierced by tendons of the four recti and two oblique muscles, and by ciliary nerves and vessels near the optic nerve entrance.

What are the check ligaments associated with the fascia bulbi?

The fascia bulbi forms fascial sleeves around extraocular muscles and gives rise to two check ligaments: the lateral check ligament extends from the lateral rectus to Whitnall’s tubercle, and the medial check ligament extends from the medial rectus to the posterior lacrimal crest.

What is the suspensory ligament of Lockwood and what does it do?

The suspensory ligament of Lockwood is a hammock-like structure formed by the thickened fascial sheath of the inferior rectus fusing with the sheath of the inferior oblique and both check ligaments. It supports the eyeball from below, being wider in the center and narrowing at its ends.

Why is the fascia bulbi important in clinical procedures like enucleation?

In enucleation (removal of the eyeball), preserving Tenon’s capsule allows an artificial eye to be placed within it, enabling ocular movements to be transmitted to the prosthesis for better function and appearance.

How does the suspensory ligament prevent eyeball sagging in orbital injuries?

In cases like orbital floor fractures or maxillary surgery, if the suspensory ligament of Lockwood remains intact, it continues to support the eyeball from below, preventing it from sagging despite damage to surrounding structures.

Fascia Bulbi (Tenon’s Capsule) – Anatomy & Clinical