With mask-wearing becoming commonplace since the advent of the COVID-19 era, the demand for eye surgery—a body part not covered by a mask—is surging. While specific preferences vary by gender and age, a common preference revolves around eye size, such as a refreshing gaze or distinct eyes. This is because clear, large eyes generally create a favorable impression on others and enhance personal satisfaction when looking in the mirror or taking photos.

Eye Surgery | Source: Getty Images Bank

Methods for creating large and distinct eyes include double eyelid surgery, eye shape correction surgery, and various canthoplasty procedures. Canthoplasty is classified into anterior, superior, posterior, and inferior canthoplasty depending on the direction. Anterior and superior canthoplasty are methods that expand the exposure of the sclera (white of the eye) on the inner side (towards the nose) relative to the pupil by relaxing the tension of the epicanthal fold, while posterior and inferior canthoplasty are surgical methods that expand the outer side.

While these methods can help enlarge the absolute size of the eyes, the amount of enlargement varies depending on the patient, and there are cases where the result turns out undesirable, leading to dissatisfaction.

In particular, undergoing lateral canthoplasty and lower eyelid surgery, which expand the exposure of the outer sclera, without an accurate diagnosis from a specialist may result in more cosmetic disadvantages than advantages. In the case of lateral canthoplasty, which involves opening the outer corner of the eye and fixing it to the outer orbital periosteum, if the distance between these points is insufficient, the effect will inevitably be minimal.

Lower eyelid canthoplasty is a procedure that extends the sclera exposure downward by fixing the lower eyelid to the ligament or orbital bone through the conjunctiva. It can be highly effective in making the eyes appear larger and can also lower upturned outer corners of the eyes. However, as it can worsen scleral show (*sclera triquetra*), thorough consultation is required before surgery. While lateral canthoplasty and lower eyelid canthoplasty are often performed simultaneously, if only the lateral sclera exposure is significantly extended compared to the medial side, it may result in esotropia after surgery, leading to unexpected dissatisfaction.

In other words, if you accurately assess your eye condition with a specialist and undergo a customized eyelid surgery, you will be able to achieve maximized aesthetic results.

Column = Hidoc Medical Reporter Dr. Hongjin Kim (Plastic Surgeon)

[Source] : https://www.hidoc.co.kr/healthstory/news/C0000751465 | Hidoc