Basic research in orbital and oculoplastic surgery.

This review summarizes basic research in orbital and oculoplastic surgery during the past year. Innovative and exciting projects have been undertaken elucidating microscopic anatomy of the orbital septum, orbital lymphatics, and levator elastic fiber network. Eyelid anatomy as assessed by magnetic resonance imaging has been beautifully demonstrated. In the realm of orbital disease, several studies have provided potential alternative therapeutic modalities in the management of the anophthalmic socket. These particular studies range from the use of demineralized bone in the rabbit anophthalmic socket, to the use of bone graft to reconstruct the monkey orbital floor. Further elegant studies outline the velocity of ophthalmic artery flow, and potential applications of ocular thermography.