Intraconal space

The intraconal space (Central orbital space; Retrobulbar space;  Intraconal orbital compartment) is a conical space located posterior to the eyeball, within the muscle cone. 

Boundaries:

• Peripherally: four recti muscles with intermuscular septa and extraconal space

• Anteriorly: tenon’s capsule of the posterior half of the eyeball

• Posteriorly: tendinous ring at orbital apex

Content:

• Central orbital fat

• Arteries:

  • Central retinal artery

  • Short posterior ciliary arteries

  • Long posterior ciliary arteries

  • Origin of lacrimal, supraorbital and posterior ethmoidal arteries

  • Veins: superior ophthalmic vein

• Nerves:

  • Optic nerve

  • Superior and inferior divisions of oculomotor nerves

  • Nasociliary nerve

  • Ciliary ganglion

Pathology:

• Subconjunctival fat prolapse

• Cavernous hemangioma

• Arteriovenous malformations

• Solitary neurofibroma

• Meningioma

• Optic nerve glioma