Inferior ophthalmic vein

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The inferior ophthalmic vein (IOV) is a vein of the inferior orbit and is smaller than the more well-known superior ophthalmic vein (SOV).

Gross anatomy

Origin

The vein forms from a plexus of several veins within the anteroinferior orbit along the infraorbital margin from facial vein tributaries.

Course

courses posteriorly within the intraconal space adjacent to the inferior rectus muscle
exits the fibromuscular cone to become extraconal and divides into two terminal branches

Termination

superior branch: drains posteriorly through the superior orbital fissure (below the abducens nerve) into the cavernous sinus or form a common trunk with the superior ophthalmic vein
inferior branch: drains inferiorly through the medial aspect of the inferior orbital fissure to the pterygoid venous plexus

Drainage

The vein drains parts of the orbit such as the lower eyelid, globe and extra-ocular muscles.

Communication

The infraorbital vein often communicates with the inferior ophthalmic vein. It is formed on the floor of the orbit, courses with the infraorbital nerve and exits via the inferior orbital fissure, draining into the pterygoid venous plexus.