Left eye is wider in the inner corner, whereas the right is wider in the outer corner. Can partial surgery in one corner help?

Question

My asymmetry is more complicated since my eyes are not asymmetrical from inside (The lashline). The central part of both eyes, which covers the top of the iris, are at the SAME level. However, in my left eye, the highest level (most open) is at the INNER corner of the iris (which is natural), whereas the highest level for my right eye is at the OUTER corner (unnatural). Because of that my eyes seems to be going to one side of my face instead of being opposite to each other. What are the options?

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

Impossible to help you accurately without seeing photo of your eyes. Partial eyelid surgery may be possible. See an oculoplastic specialist.

A.J. Amadi, MD · Answer

What you seem to be describing is a "lateral flare" to the your right upper eyelid. Though this may be a natural anatomic variation which some individuals are born with, a lateral flare to the eyelid can occur as part of thyroid eye disease. As such, its important to see an Oculoplastics surgeon that can more accurately assess your anatomy and elicit a complete history. Oftentimes blood work will be needed to help diagnose the problem. Having said that, a lateral flare can be corrected surgically (once Thyroid Eye Disease has been ruled out or considered to be stable). Posting a photo would be helpful to confirm your description (" a picture is worth a thousand words".

Left eye is wider in the inner corner, whereas the right is wider in the outer corner. Can partial surgery in one corner help?

Answers (2)