Mahnaz Mirzaei & Mahyar Mohammadifard

The orbit is a complex structure with many documented variations in its architecture and adjacent components. These differences are crucial in craniofacial surgery, particularly orbital decompression, which demands precise anatomical knowledge. Effective decompression also relies on appropriate equipment, skilled personnel, and a comprehensive grasp of this anatomy. In this study, we used computed tomography (CT) to define the position of the optic foramen (OF) relative to the sphenoid sinus and orbital apex. In this descriptive study, a radiologist examined CT scans of 100 patients at the Birjand prevalence hospitals between March 20, 2024, and March 20, 2025, using the hospital’s imaging archive system. All the patients had been admitted with headaches, but their CT scans were normal. The OF and sphenoid sinus relationship was classified as anterior, posterior, or equal. Our study population consisted of 50 men and 50 women between 18 to 70 y/o. The findings indicated that the OF was symmetrically positioned in both orbits in 60 % of individuals. In the right orbit, the OF was predominantly situated posterior to the anterior wall of sphenoid sinus (ASW) in both sexes, whereas in the left orbit, most had equal positioning. About the right ocular orbit, the average distance from the OF to the ASW was 2.47±0.83 mm when the OF was located anteriorly, while it was 3.2±1.36 mm when positioned posteriorly. In the left eye, the average distance was 2.40±1.23 mm in the anterior position and 3.62±1.42 mm in the posterior position. Significant variation exists in orbital anatomy and neighboring vital structures. In right orbits, the OF was most commonly posterior to the ASW; in left orbits, most showed equal positioning. This refined anatomical understanding can aid surgeons in selecting the optimal approach-external or endonasal-for orbital decompression.

KEY WORDS: Anatomical position; Optic foramen; Sphenoid sinus; Orbital anatomy.

MIRZAEI, M. & MOHAMMADIFARD, M. Anatomical position of the optic foramen relative to the sphenoid sinus and orbital apex structures. Int. J. Morphol., 44(2):399-403, 2026.