A medical illustration depicting the surgical procedure for a lateral canthotomy on a right human eye. The diagram shows the periorbital anatomy including the eyebrow, upper and lower eyelids, and the globe with a visible iris and sclera. Two primary surgical instruments are shown: a scalpel performing an initial incision at the lateral canthus (the outer corner of the eye) and iris scissors positioned to lengthen the incision. This procedure is clinically indicated for the emergency management of orbital compartment syndrome to rapidly reduce intraocular pressure and prevent optic nerve ischemia. The educational focus is on the correct anatomical placement of instruments relative to the lateral canthal tendon to achieve ocular decompression.

This clinical intraoperative photograph documents a surgical excision of an orbital mass via a lateral orbitotomy approach on the left eye. The image shows a well-defined, spherical, bulbous mass being mobilized from the intraconal compartment. The tumor displays a smooth, encapsulated surface with a reddish-pink, vascular appearance and areas of pale discoloration. Surgical exposure is achieved through an incision at the lateral canthus (lateral canthotomy), with black traction sutures clearly visible holding the eyelid and orbital margins apart to maintain surgical access. A surgical instrument is seen supporting and elevating the mass from the retrobulbar space, displacing surrounding orbital fat and tissues. This procedure is indicated for the management of retrobulbar tumors, such as orbital schwannomas, which often present with axial proptosis. The photograph provides educational insight into orbital surgical anatomy, the presentation of intraconal tumors, and the technique for lateral orbital decompression and tumor delivery.

This clinical photograph captures an intraoperative view of a surgical procedure involving the lateral orbital rim. A surgical incision has been made through the skin and orbicularis muscle near the lateral canthus, with the surrounding skin marked by purple surgical ink. The surgical field is exposed using a metal retractor to provide visualization of the underlying bone. A surgical drill with a small round burr is being used to create a burr hole (identified as hole n°4) in the lateral orbital rim, just below the level of the lateral canthus. The procedure illustrates a key step in a concentric malar lift or canthopexy, where bone anchoring points are established for suture fixation. The image demonstrates the precise handling of specialized surgical instruments and the subperiosteal exposure required for mid-face rejuvenation and lower eyelid stabilization.

Clinical photographs in frontal (A) and lateral (B) views demonstrating the post-procedural appearance of a lateral canthotomy and inferior cantholysis performed for orbital compartment syndrome. The images show a 57-year-old male with significant proptosis and chemosis of the left eye. In view A, the surgical incision at the lateral canthus is visible, with marked erythema and edema of the periorbital tissues. In view B, the lateral profile emphasizes the degree of globe protrusion (proptosis) and reveals surgical trauma with minor bleeding and tissue disruption at the lateral commissure where the canthal tendons were incised. Blue-gloved hands are seen retracting the upper and lower eyelids to expose the ocular surface and surgical site. This visual documentation serves to illustrate the emergency surgical management required to reduce intraocular pressure and prevent permanent vision loss in cases of retrobulbar pressure buildup.