Lockwood's ligament: the support of the eyeball
Quick facts
- Definition
- A condensation of fibrous tissue, shaped like a sling, that supports the eyeball in the orbit.
- Location
- Below the eye, between the attachments of the lateral and medial ligaments.
- Function
- Suspend the eyeball and contain the orbital fat.
- Clinical relevance
- Understanding the origin of eye bags and the anatomy of the lower eyelid.
Lockwood's ligament is a condensation of fibrous tissue, shaped like a sling, that lies beneath the eyeball and supports it. It works like a suspension hammock attached to the lateral and medial walls of the orbital cavity, holding the eye in position and helping to contain the fat of the orbit.
Why is it useful to know this ligament?
It helps in understanding the anatomy of the lower eyelid. The orbital fat is contained behind the orbital septum, and the supporting sling influences how far it can protrude. When the septum and the supporting ligaments weaken with age, the fat can advance and form eyelid fat pads.
| Structure | Role |
|---|---|
| Lockwood's ligament | Supports the eyeball |
| Orbital septum | Contains the fat behind the eyelid |
| Orbital fat | Cushions and fills the orbit |
What does it change in practice?
More than a technical point, it is a foundational concept: it helps explain to the patient why the bag appears and why treating the area requires careful assessment. Related topics: dark circles: types and assessment and periorbital anatomy for injectables.
Frequently asked questions
What is the function of Lockwood's ligament?
It works like a supporting sling beneath the eyeball, holding the eye in position and helping to keep orbital fat within the cavity.