Canthoplasty is a common eye plastic surgery that aims to improve the shape and visual effect of the eye by changing the structure of the inner and outer canthus. With the diversification of aesthetic needs, more and more people choose to undergo this type of surgery. However, many patients and medical professionals are concerned about the impact of canthoplasty on the function and structure of the eye. This article will systematically analyze the surgical principles, surgical methods, and potential impacts on the anatomical structure and function of the eye, and combine relevant clinical research to explore the safety of the surgery and postoperative precautions.
1. The principle and method of canthoplasty surgery
Canthoplasty surgery is usually divided into two types: inner canthoplasty and lateral canthoplasty. It mainly involves incision, adjustment and reconstruction of the skin and mucous membrane tissues at the inner and outer canthi to increase the length of the palpebral fissure and improve the eye contour.
The epicanthoplasty surgery mainly removes the epicanthus and reduces the excess skin covering the corners of the eyes, making the eyes appear bigger and more lively.
Lateral canthalectomy is performed by removing the skin at the lateral canthus, lengthening the palpebral fissure, and adjusting the angle of the tail of the eye.
During the operation, the doctor will design the incision according to the patient's eye anatomical characteristics to avoid damage to important eye structures such as lacrimal points, medial eyelid ligaments, tear ducts, etc. Different surgical methods have different degrees of invasion into eye tissues and recovery times.
2. Effects of canthoplasty on ocular anatomy
The structures around the eyes are complex, including eyelid skin, muscles, ligaments, lacrimal system and conjunctiva. The surgical operation may involve skin incision, muscle separation and partial conjunctival reconstruction. If the operation is not done properly, the following structures may be affected:
Lacrimal system damage
The medial canthus area contains the lacrimal puncta and lacrimal canaliculi, which are important components of the tear drainage pathway. If the lacrimal puncta or lacrimal canaliculi are damaged during surgery, tear drainage may be blocked, causing tearing symptoms or chronic dacryocystitis.
Eyelid ligaments and muscles affected
The medial eyelid ligament and levator palpebrae muscle play a key role in maintaining the shape and function of the eyelid. If they are cut or pulled excessively during surgery, it may cause eyelid dysfunction, such as ectropion or entropion, which will affect the protection of the eyeball and tear distribution.
Irritation of the conjunctiva and cornea
Medial canthalectomy often involves conjunctival incision and suturing. Postoperative inflammatory response may cause conjunctival congestion, corneal irritation or dry eye symptoms, which in severe cases may affect visual clarity and ocular surface health.
Effects on skin and soft tissue
Changes in skin tension and scar formation at the incision site may cause the shape of the eye corners to be unnatural and poorly symmetrical, affecting appearance and eye movement coordination.
3. Effects of canthoplasty on eye function
The basic functions of the eye include vision, eye protection, and tear secretion and distribution. Canthoplasty surgery has the potential to affect these functions to a certain extent:
Vision effects
Canthoplasty surgery does not involve the internal structure of the eyeball and will not directly affect vision under normal circumstances. However, eyelid discomfort, corneal irritation, and tear abnormalities that occur after the operation may indirectly affect visual clarity.
Changes in eyelid protection function
Changes in eyelid morphology after surgery may affect the quality of eyelid closure, resulting in prolonged eyeball exposure time and increased risk of corneal dryness and damage. Severe incomplete eyelid closure may also cause corneal inflammation and decreased vision.
Abnormal tear distribution
Even distribution of tears is crucial to the health of the ocular surface. Surgery may affect the stability of the tear film and induce dry eye syndrome, which manifests as dry eyes, foreign body sensation, and even affect the protective and lubrication functions of the eyes.
Eye sensory and neurological effects
Canthoplasty surgery may stimulate local nerves, resulting in short-term numbness, tingling, or increased sensitivity after surgery, but most of these symptoms will subside after the recovery period.
4. Clinical Research and Surgical Safety Analysis
Many clinical studies have shown that under the conditions of technical specifications and perfect postoperative care, the incidence of eye dysfunction is low in canthoplasty surgery, and surgical complications are mainly concentrated in the following aspects:
Damage to the tear ducts can cause excessive tearing or tear accumulation.
Abnormal eyelid morphology, such as inversion or ectropion, affects the protection of the eyeball.
Postoperative infection or inflammation causes conjunctival congestion, pain, and blurred vision.
The occurrence of these complications is mostly related to careless operation during surgery, insufficient understanding of anatomical structure or inadequate postoperative care. With the improvement of microsurgery technology and surgical design, the safety and effectiveness of surgery have been improved.
5. Postoperative recovery and precautions
After the operation, the patient needs to follow the doctor's instructions for care, including keeping the incision clean, avoiding rubbing the eyes, and using anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drugs appropriately. Avoiding strenuous exercise and heavy physical labor in the early postoperative period will help reduce swelling and bleeding. Regular follow-up visits can promptly detect and deal with possible complications.
In addition, the eyes may experience slight swelling, bruising and temporary blurred vision after the operation, most of which recover within a few weeks. Dry eyes or foreign body sensation can be relieved by artificial tears.
Beauty Encyclopedia Tips:
Canthoplasty surgery has a significant impact on the structure and function of the eye, especially when the surgical operation is not standardized or there are large individual anatomical differences, it may cause tear duct damage, eyelid dysfunction and ocular surface diseases. Choosing an experienced doctor, fully understanding the risks of the operation, and scientific postoperative care are important factors in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the operation. Patients should rationally evaluate the pros and cons of the operation based on their own needs and the doctor's advice to ensure that both eye health and beauty are taken into account.