Eyes Too Close Together? (photo)

Question

What can be done to increase the distance between my eyes? My eyes are about 3.5 cm in length with a distance of 2 cm between each of them. Are there any effective surgical options available to me. I am a 28 year old man.

Steve Laverson, MD, FACS · Answer

Your eyes are positioned centrally within your orbits, which appear to have appropriate relationships with one another and with your other facial landmarks. The illusion of proximity can be adjusted by rhinoplasty. A profile view would offer more information, but in general, widening the nasal dorsum (top of nose) and perhaps lowering dorsum and/or root of nose would likely produce the change you desire.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It's important to understand that the distance between the eyes varies from patient to patient. Although your eyes are close together, they're still within the normal range.This condition is called hypotelorism and is related to the shape of the underlying boney orbits. Unfortunately, correction of this problem requires major surgery upon the facial skeleton. Under these circumstances, the risk benefit ratio wouldn't justify this type of surgery for a relatively minor deformity.If you're still concerned about the aesthetics of your periorbital region, it's important to consult a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in this area. This surgeon should be able to answer your questions and alleviate your anxiety.

A.J. Amadi, MD · Answer

The only surgery that can change the distance between the eyes is complex craniofacial surgery involving your eye sockets. Such surgery is done for medical reasons, usually in Children with significant craniofacial syndromes.

	Your anatomy is within the normal range and as such, it would be unwise to put you through the risk and morbidity of such surgery which would only give you  modest, and possible unnatural results.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I would not recommend widening this distance as this does involve a remodeling of the craniofacial skeleton, which has a considerable complication profile.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

It is possible to increase the distance between your eyes. But it requires lengthy and risky craniofacial surgery, usually done in children with true congenital deformities. Not a good idea in your case. However, a rhinoplasty may give you the effect you are looking for.

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

The surgery to correct the problem you mention is a massive operation and I doubt any surgeon would undertake it for cosmetic reasons.

Eyes Too Close Together? (photo)

Answers (6)