Do People with Large Eyes Actually Have Larger Globes?

Question

Do people with "large eyes" actually have larger globes, or is it the size of the orbital socket which determines the perceived size of the eye? I have read that generally the dimensions of the human eye vary by only 1 to 2 millimeters between adults from all over the world, yet some people seem to have very large eyes, such as Jackson Rathbone or Zoey Deschanel. Is this always the result of a larger eye socket? What else (besides eyelids, obviously) determines the perceived size of the eye?

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

The size of the eye (globe) is usually due to how much the eye ball protrudes in its socket rather than the difference in size. For example, after trauma there can be loss of fat volume in the socket so the eyeball sits back in the socket making it seem much smaller than before. On the other hand a space occupying cause like a tumor pushes the eyeball our making it seem much larger

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

There are various factors involved in the eye appearance. The most common cause of large eye appearance is actually wide open eyelids. Another cause is bulgy (protruded) eyes. Rarely it is due to actual large eyeballs. Depending on the cause, the treatment varies. See an oculoplastic surgeon for evaluation.

A.J. Amadi, MD · Answer

Though the size of the human eyeball is on average 22-24 mm [less than an inch] in diameter, there can be variations of 4-5 mm. Extremely myopic eyes [nearsighted] can be as large as 28 mm, and conversely hyperopic [farsighted] eyes are smaller.

	This can sometimes lead to what you would perceive as large or prominent eyes. A clue would be very thick glasses, though most people with this problem prefer to wear contact lenses.

	Probably more commonly, the size of the bony orbit in comparison to the soft tissue inside the orbit [eyeball, fat, eye muscles] will determine how prominent an eye seems. Thyroid disease can sometimes causes the muscles and fat of the eye socket to enlarge which leads to very bulgy eyes.

	Hope this helps

Randy Wong, MD · Answer

Despite the fact that the human eyeball size is very constant, variables in the orbital socket and soft tissues will change your perspective about how large the eye appears in relationship to the rest of the face. Position in the socket can be affected by fat or inflammation as in hyperthyroid conditions. The genetic and developmental aspects of the bony skeleton may be affecting the shape and depth of the socket. The overlying tissues may also expose more or less of the eye, and the soft tissue structures are most commonly altered with blepharoplasty procedures.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

The orbital socket the globe renders a certain volume. If the volume is small eyeball will be pushed forward and look larger is less of the lids cover the globe. Larger orbits about eyeball to sit or posterior with more lid coverage making the eyeball look smaller.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

Large or small eyes are typically a result of the bony and soft tissue anatomy of the eye socket. This can create a larger or smaller appearing eye. The best example is the aging eye which appears very deep in the eye socket and small. This can, in most cases, be improved with eyelid and possibly brow procedures. I hope this information is helpful. Stephen Weber MD, FACS

	Weber Facial Plastic Surgery

Thomas A. Narsete, MD (retired) · Answer

The prominence of your eyes is due to several factors. The size of your bone structure is important as is the position of your eye inside your orbit( vector). These factors are all considered when your surgery is planned. Get a consult from a board certified plastic surgeon in your area. All the best

Do People with Large Eyes Actually Have Larger Globes?

Answers (7)

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