Epicanthus - what is it? The causes of the defect, the particular treatment
Epicanthus - what is it? By definition, it is customary to understand a vertically arranged fold in the form of a hemisphere, which covers the angular part of the eye gap. Normally, the manifestation is characteristic of representatives of the Mongoloid race. In people of the Caucasoid type, the appearance of the epicanthus fold is considered an anomaly.
Reasons for the emergence of
The prerequisites for the development of the defect to date have not been determined. In this case, how is the epicanthus formed, what is it? It is commonly 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 adaptive feature characteristic of people who have been exposed to certain climatic conditions for a long time.
The specialists proved the relationship between the degree of epicanthus and the shape and position of the bridge of the nose. The latter is higher, the smaller the dimensions 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 distribution of anomaly
The formation of the epicanth is most often observed among 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 mentioned above, for the Caucasian race such a skin fold is considered a deviation from the norm.
What is the epicanthus manifested in?
With a distinct anomaly in humans, the following manifestations may occur:
- 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 eyelid fusion;
- worsening flow of tears.
Diagnosis
Recognize the epicanthus, what is it, is capable of any experienced ophthalmologist. To do this, it is enough to conduct a visual examination of the patient. During the diagnosis, the specialist determines how much the problem is expressed, what consequences the lack of therapy may lead to.
Treatment of
How is epicanthus treated? The operation is currently the only effective method of therapy for the elimination of a defect. Mostly to such a solution resorted to for 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 weakly expressed ovulation of the eyelids. In the course of cosmetology, several seams along the muscles of the eyelid are created, with the help of which the European fold is formed.
The classic approach to the performance of epibanthus blepharoplasty involves the removal of skin areas with the help of incisions in 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.
Probable postoperative complications and complications of
A patient who resorts to surgical removal of 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 lachrymation;
- burning sensation on the mucous membranes of the eyes;
- eversion 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 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 not to cause complications, it is enough to adhere to such recommendations:
- Avoid skin irritation - refuse to use cosmetics, contact lenses.
- Walking outdoors in windless weather, preferably at night. Try to avoid exposure to the problem area of direct sunlight, putting on goggles with the maximum dimming lenses.
- Use eye drops. Application of the latter allows to eliminate dry eyes, relieve inflammation, promotes the healing of damaged tissues.
- Refuse reading books, watching movies for several weeks. Such actions can lead to overexertion of the eyes, which is fraught with a whole mass of unpleasant consequences.
- Completely eliminate the use of alcohol. Alcohol dilates blood vessels, causes swelling of the tissues. All this can cause a discrepancy in postoperative sutures.
As a result,
So we figured out what the anomaly looks like and how, 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 exposed 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.