Epicanthus - what is it? By definition, it is customary to understand a vertically located fold in the form of a hemisphere, which covers the corner of the palpebral fissure. Normally, the manifestation is characteristic of representatives of the Mongoloid race. In people of the Caucasian type of appearance, the fold of the epicanthus is considered an anomaly.
Reasons for the appearance
The prerequisites for the development of the defect to date are not defined. In this case, how is the epicanthus formed, what is it? It is generally accepted that a characteristic fold in the eyelid region acts as a protective device 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 adaptive trait characteristic of people who have been in certain climatic conditions for a long time.
Experts have proven the relationship of the severity of epicanthus with the shape and position of the nose. The higher the latter, the smaller the size of such a fold. However, a low-set nose bridge does not always form an epicanthus, photos of which are presented in this material. The occurrence of this defect also depends on the thickness of the subcutaneous fat layer in the region of the upper eyelid.
The extent of the anomaly
Most often, the formation of an epicanthus is observed among the nationalities that inhabit East, Central and North Asia. This is, first of all: the Yakuts, Kazakhs, Tatars, Altai, Kyrgyz. Epicanthus is also characteristic of the native inhabitants of America. As already noted above, for the Caucasian race, such a skin fold is considered a deviation from the norm.
What is the manifestation of epicanthus?
With a pronounced anomaly in a person, the following manifestations can be observed:
- narrowing of the skin gap of one or both eyes;
- changing the position of the edge of the eyelashes;
- trauma to the cornea of the eye;
- broken closure of the eyelids;
- worsening outflow of tears.
Diagnostics
Any experienced ophthalmologist is able to recognize the epicanthus what it is. For this, a visual examination of the patient is sufficient. During the diagnosis, the specialist determines how severe the problem is, what consequences the lack of therapy can lead to.
Treatment
How is epicanthus treated? The operation is by far the only effective method of therapy to eliminate the defect. Mostly such a solution is resorted to for cosmetic purposes. The anomaly is eliminated by cutting out “extra” tissue sections and giving the skin fold a natural shape.
Traumatic epicanthus - what is it? Unlike congenital or acquired abnormalities, such a disorder is formed as a result of the formation of scar tissue after shock, cuts, etc. In this case, the treatment involves the transplantation of skin flaps.
If help is required for a representative of the Mongoloid race, blepharoplasty of the epicanthus is performed. Such plastic surgery can be carried out without performing incisions, but only in the case of a mild drooping eyelids. During cosmetic procedures, several sutures are created along the muscles of the eyelid, with the help of which the European fold is actually formed.
The classic approach to performing epicanthus blepharoplasty involves removing areas of the skin using incisions in the upper eyelid. In order for the tissues to acquire the desired shape, the fat layer is removed. In some cases, an amputation of a small part of the circular muscle fibers of the eye is allowed.
Probable postoperative consequences and complications
A patient who resorts to surgical removal of the epicanthus needs to know about possible postoperative manifestations:
- the occurrence of persistent subcutaneous hematoma;
- dry skin in the eyelid;
- conjunctivitis development;
- increased lacrimation;
- burning sensation on the mucous membranes of the eyes;
- inversion of the upper eyelid;
- discrepancy and ruptures of postoperative sutures.
Features of recovery in the postoperative period
Usually, after surgery to remove the epicanthus, patients are forced to endure tissue swelling in the area of the palpebral fissure for about two weeks. As noted above, dryness, pain, pain in the eyes are possible . In order to recover as soon as possible after the operation and prevent complications, it is enough to adhere to such recommendations:
- Avoid skin irritation - refuse to use cosmetics, contact lenses.
- Walk in the fresh air in calm weather, preferably at night. Try to avoid exposure to the problem area in direct sunlight by wearing safety glasses with the most obscuring lenses.
- Use eye drops. The use of the latter eliminates dry eyes, relieve inflammation, and promotes the healing of damaged tissues.
- Refuse to read books, watch movies for several weeks. Such actions can lead to eye strain, which is fraught with a whole mass of unpleasant consequences.
- Completely eliminate the use of alcohol. Alcohol dilates blood vessels, causing tissue swelling. All this can cause a discrepancy in postoperative sutures.
Eventually
So we figured out how the anomaly looks and how it manifests, how the epicanthus is treated, what it is. In conclusion, it is worth noting that in most cases there is no direct medical indication for the surgical removal of such a skin fold. The bulk of people prone to this phenomenon resort to surgery purely for cosmetic purposes. This solution allows you to give the look expressiveness and acquire the so-called European
eye shape.