Epicanthus - what is it? The causes of the defect, the particular treatment

Epicanthus - what is it? Definition is usually understood as a vertically arranged fold in the form of a hemisphere, which covers the corner part of the eye gap. Normally, the manifestation is characteristic of representatives of the Mongoloid race. In people of the Europoid type of appearance, the fold of the epicanthus is considered an anomaly.

Causes of appearance

The prerequisites for the development of the defect have not been determined to date. In this case, how is the epicanthus formed, what is it? It is generally believed that the characteristic fold in the region of the century is a protective apparatus that arises in response to the need to protect the eyes from wind, dust, and exposure to solar radiation. Thus, the manifestation is identified as an adaptation feature, characteristic for people, long time under certain climatic conditions.

Specialists have proved the relationship between the degree of expression of the epicanthus and the shape and position of the nose bridge. The latter is higher, the smaller the size of this fold. However, the low-set bridge of the nose does not always form the epicanthus, the photo of which is represented in this material. Dependence of the appearance of this defect and the thickness of the layer of subcutaneous fat in the upper eyelid.

Extent of anomaly distribution

Most often the formation of the epicanthus is observed among the peoples that inhabit the Eastern, Central and Northern Asia. This is, first of all: the Yakuts, Kazakhs, Tatars, Altaians, Kirghiz. Epicanthus is also characteristic of Native Americans. As already noted above, for the Caucasian race such a skin fold is considered a deviation from the norm.

What is the epicanthus?

With a clearly pronounced anomaly in humans, the following manifestations can be observed:

• Narrowing of the cutaneous opening of one or both eyes;
• Change the position of the edge of the eyelashes;
• Trauma of the cornea of the eye;
• Broken lid closure;
• Deterioration of the outflow of tears.

Diagnostics

To recognize the epicanthus, what is it, any experienced ophthalmologist is capable of. To do this, it is enough to conduct a visual examination of the patient. In the course of diagnosis, the specialist determines how much the problem is expressed, what consequences the lack of therapy may lead to.

Treatment

How is the epicanthus treated? The operation is currently the only effective method of therapy for the elimination of a defect. Mostly to such a decision resorted to cosmetic purposes. The anomaly is eliminated by cutting out "excess" areas of the tissue and giving the skin fold a natural shape.

Traumatic epicanthus - what is it? Unlike a congenital or acquired anomaly, such a disorder is formed as a result of the formation of scar tissue after the received strokes, cuts, etc. In this case, treatment involves transplanting skin flaps.

If assistance is required for a representative of the Mongoloid race, blepharoplasty of the epicanthus is performed. Such a plastic surgery can be performed without making cuts, but only in the case of a mildly expressed ovulation of the eyelids. In the course of cosmetology, several seams are created along the muscles of the eyelid, with the help of which the European fold is formed.

The classical approach to performing blepharoplasty of the epicanthus involves the removal of skin areas with the help of incisions in the region of the upper eyelid. To get the tissues of the desired shape, the fat layer is removed. In some cases amputation of an insignificant part of circular eye muscle fibers is allowed.

Possible postoperative consequences and complications

The patient, who resorts to surgical removal of the epicanthus, needs to be aware of possible postoperative manifestations:

• The emergence of a stable subcutaneous hematoma;
• Dry skin in the eyelid;
• Development of conjunctivitis;
• Increased tear;
• Burning sensation on the mucous membranes of the eyes;
• Eversion of the upper eyelid;
• Divergence and ruptures of postoperative sutures.

Features of recovery in the postoperative period

Usually, after surgery to remove the epicanthus, patients are forced to tolerate tissue swelling in the eye area for about two weeks. As mentioned above, dryness, pain, and pain in the eyes are possible . In order to recover as soon as possible after surgery and prevent complications, it is sufficient to adhere to such recommendations:

1. Avoid irritation of the skin - avoid using cosmetics, contact lenses.
2. Walking outdoors in the windless weather, preferably at night. Try to avoid exposing the problem area to direct sunlight, putting on protective goggles with maximally darkening lenses.
3. Use eye drops. The use of the latter allows you to eliminate dry eyes, relieve inflammation, promote healing of damaged tissues.
4. Refuse to read books, watch movies for several weeks. Such actions can lead to overexertion of the eyes, which is fraught with a whole mass of unpleasant consequences.
5. Completely eliminate the use of alcohol. Alcohol dilates blood vessels, causes swelling of the tissues. All this can cause a discrepancy in postoperative sutures.

Eventually

So we figured out what the anomaly looks like and what it is, how the epicanthus is treated, what it is. In conclusion, it should be noted that in most cases there is no direct medical indication for the surgical removal of such a skin fold. The bulk of people subject to this phenomenon, resort to surgery purely for cosmetic purposes. This solution allows you to give the look expressiveness and to acquire the so-called European eye section.