Telecanthus

Types of telecanthus
Causes of telecanthus
Common symptoms and signs
Diagnostic tests
Non-Pharmacological Treatments (therapies and other measures)
Drug Treatments
Dietary Molecular Supplements
Regenerative / stem cell drug
Surgeries
Preventions
When to see a doctor
What to eat and what to avoid
Frequently Asked Questions

Telecanthus means the inner corners of the eyelids (the medial canthi) are farther apart than usual, even though the eyeballs and the bony eye sockets are not actually wide-set. In other words, the soft-tissue “eye corners” look spread out, but the skull bones are normal in width. People sometimes confuse telecanthus with hypertelorism. Hypertelorism is different: it is a true, bony widening of the eye sockets and the pupils are farther apart. In telecanthus, the interpupillary distance (the distance between the pupils) is usually normal, but the inner canthal distance (the distance between the inner eyelid corners) is increased.

Telecanthus happens when tissues that anchor the inner eyelid corners (especially the medial canthal tendon) are positioned too far apart, too long, or too lax, or when folds of skin at the inner corners (epicanthal folds) hide the true canthal position and make the corners look farther apart. It can be present from birth (congenital) or appear later in life due to injury, surgery, or changes in surrounding tissues (acquired). Vision is usually normal, but the appearance of the face changes, and some people also have tearing problems or eyelid malpositions that follow from the inner corner being out of its normal place.

Telecanthus means the inner corners of the eyelids (medial canthi) are too far apart. The eyes themselves are usually in a normal position. The bony distance between the eye sockets is normal, and the pupils are a normal distance apart. What looks “wide-set” is mainly the skin and tendon position of the inner eyelid corners, not the bones.

People often confuse telecanthus with hypertelorism. In hypertelorism, the bones of the face and eye sockets are wide apart, so the whole eyes sit further from each other. In telecanthus, the bones are normal, but the medial canthal tendons (the inner corner “guy-wires” of the eyelids) are stretched, displaced, or attached abnormally. Telecanthus may be present from birth (congenital), occur with genetic syndromes, or appear later after injury, surgery, scarring, or facial growth problems.

How doctors describe and measure it

Clinicians measure:

Inner canthal distance (ICD): inner corner to inner corner.
Outer canthal distance (OCD): outer corner to outer corner.
Interpupillary distance (IPD): pupil to pupil.

A simple way to express telecanthus is the canthal index = (ICD ÷ OCD) × 100. A higher canthal index means the inner corners are relatively more separated. Doctors also use visual exam, photographs, and sometimes imaging to understand the cause.

Types of telecanthus

Isolated (simple) telecanthus
This is present without other eye or face problems. The inner corners are just set wider than average. Vision is usually normal. The look of the eyes may seem “wider at the nose,” but there is no bony widening.
Syndromic telecanthus
Telecanthus occurs as part of a genetic or developmental condition. Typical examples include Waardenburg syndrome (especially type I, with “dystopia canthorum”), blepharophimosis-ptosis-epicanthus inversus syndrome (BPES), frontonasal dysplasia, and some craniofacial cleft conditions. Other features (like ptosis, skin folds, hearing loss, or nasal changes) can accompany it.
Telecanthus with epicanthal folds
Prominent inner eyelid skin folds (epicanthal folds) can visually hide the inner corner and make it look farther apart. This is common in infants and in many ethnic groups and often becomes less obvious as the nose bridge grows.
Traumatic (post-injury) telecanthus
A blow to the middle of the face can cause a naso-orbito-ethmoid (NOE) fracture or tear the medial canthal tendon from the bone. The inner corner then heals in a new, too-lateral position, producing visible telecanthus.
Iatrogenic (post-surgical) telecanthus
After surgery near the inner corner (for example, lacrimal surgery, nasal/ethmoid surgery, or eyelid repair), scarring or misplacement of the tendon or skin can laterally shift the inner canthus.
Telecanthus from tendon laxity or soft-tissue stretching
With aging changes, connective-tissue disorders, or after long-standing swelling, the medial canthal tendon can become lax. The inner corner drifts laterally, and telecanthus develops or worsens.
Pseudotelecanthus
This is an “appearance only.” The inner corners look far apart due to skin folds, a broad nasal bridge, or eyelid shape, but the tendon position and bony landmarks are normal. Careful measurements show a normal inner canthus location for age and ethnicity.

Causes of telecanthus

Blepharophimosis-ptosis-epicanthus inversus syndrome (BPES)
A genetic condition (often involving the FOXL2 gene) that shortens the eyelid opening, causes droopy lids, and flips the inner skin fold upward. The inner corners are pulled laterally, creating telecanthus.
Waardenburg syndrome (type I, “dystopia canthorum”)
A genetic condition (often PAX3 gene) with wide inner canthi, pigment differences (hair/iris/skin), and possible hearing loss. The tendon anchoring is positioned farther apart than usual.
Frontonasal dysplasia
Early facial development is altered, leading to a broad nasal root and wide spacing of soft tissues around the inner canthi.
Craniofacial clefts (e.g., Tessier clefts near the nose/medial orbit)
Cleft lines through the midface can move soft tissues laterally, widening the inner canthal distance.
Naso-orbito-ethmoid (NOE) fractures
A blow to the nasal bridge and ethmoid bones can detach or displace the medial canthal tendon. Healing in a new position widens the inner corners.
Medial canthal tendon avulsion without fracture
A sharp laceration at the inner corner can cut the tendon. If it reattaches laterally or scars, telecanthus results.
Iatrogenic changes after dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR)
Lacrimal surgery near the inner canthus may alter tendon support or scar the area, subtly shifting the corner outward.
Iatrogenic changes after nasal/ethmoid surgery
Endoscopic sinus or nasal procedures can change the support around the inner canthus and nasal bones, allowing lateral drift.
Congenital epicanthal folds with broad nasal bridge
In infants, a low nasal bridge and strong epicanthal folds can make inner corners look far apart (pseudotelecanthus). As the nose grows, this often improves.
Connective tissue disorders (e.g., Ehlers-Danlos spectrum)
Lax ligaments and tendons can stretch over time. The medial canthal tendon may lengthen, widening the inner canthi.
Long-standing medial canthal masses (e.g., hemangioma, dermoid, mucocele)
A mass can push the inner canthus outward. After the mass shrinks or is removed, the corner may remain laterally displaced.
Scarring after inner eyelid or lacrimal lacerations
Scar tissue can tether skin and tendon laterally, increasing the inner canthal distance.
Frontonasal encephalocele
A herniation near the nasal root can broaden the midline soft tissues and separate the inner canthi.
Fetal alcohol spectrum effects
Midface development can be altered, leaving a broad nasal root and wide-appearing inner canthi.
Down syndrome (appearance contribution)
Prominent epicanthal folds and midface differences can make the inner corners look wider apart, sometimes producing pseudotelecanthus.
Cleft lip-palate with midface involvement
Complex clefts can widen the nasal base and the soft-tissue inner canthi.
Post-burn or post-chemical injury scarring
Scars in the medial eyelid region contract in abnormal directions and may pull the inner canthus laterally.
Chronic inflammatory diseases near the lacrimal sac
Repeated swelling and fibrosis around the inner canthus can slowly change tendon position.
Aging with bone resorption and soft-tissue descent
With age, ligament laxity and changes in the nasal root can subtly increase inner canthal spacing.
Iatrogenic after cosmetic skin/eyelid repositioning
Over-resection or misdirected tension during cosmetic surgery around the bridge or inner lids can shift the canthus outward.

Common symptoms and signs

Eyes look “farther apart at the nose”
The inner corners seem wide, even when pupils are normally spaced.
Broad or flat nasal bridge appearance
The midline looks wide, which emphasizes the distance between inner corners.
Prominent inner eyelid skin folds
Epicanthal folds may cover the inner corner and add to the wide look.
Cosmetic concern about facial symmetry
Many people seek care because the look is different from family or peers.
“Cross-eyed” look in photos (pseudostrabismus)
The inner folds and corner position can create the illusion of eye misalignment.
Tearing (epiphora)
If the inner canthus position affects tear drainage or the punctum orientation, tears may run down the cheek.
Recurring sticky discharge
Tear outflow issues can cause mild mucus or recurrent conjunctival irritation.
Irritation at the inner corner
Misplaced skin or lashes can rub on the eye surface.
Eyelid malposition feelings
Some describe the inner eyelid as “pulled” or “not in the right spot.”
Glasses bridge fit problems
The nasal bridge shape may make standard frames feel awkward.
Social or self-image stress
Concerns about appearance can affect confidence and social interactions.
Associated droopy lids (ptosis) in BPES
Heaviness and narrowed openings can reduce the visual field.
Associated hearing issues in Waardenburg
Not caused by telecanthus itself, but part of the broader syndrome.
Nasal blockage sensation if a mass contributes
A medial mass can both widen the corner and obstruct nasal airflow.
Double vision is uncommon
Vision is usually normal; diplopia suggests another problem, not telecanthus alone.

Diagnostic tests

A) Physical examination

Visual inspection of facial proportions
The doctor studies the face from the front and side, looking at the nasal bridge, inner corners, eyelid folds, and overall symmetry. This first look often suggests telecanthus.
Inner canthal distance (ICD) measurement
Using a ruler or calipers, the clinician measures inner corner to inner corner. A value above age- and ethnicity-matched norms indicates telecanthus.
Outer canthal distance (OCD) measurement
Measuring outer corner to outer corner helps calculate the canthal index and compare proportions.
Interpupillary distance (IPD) measurement
Measuring pupil to pupil confirms whether the distance between the eyes is normal (telecanthus) or truly increased (hypertelorism).
Canthal index calculation
(ICD ÷ OCD) × 100. A higher index supports the diagnosis and helps track change over time or after treatment.
Assessment of epicanthal folds
The doctor checks how much the folds cover the inner corner and whether this alone explains the appearance (pseudotelecanthus).
Medial canthal tendon palpation
Gentle palpation at the inner corner checks tenderness, scarring, or unusual displacement of the tendon.
Eyelid fissure length and position
Measuring the horizontal opening and the position of the corners helps detect conditions like BPES where the opening is shortened and the corners are displaced.

B) Manual and office functional tests

Medial canthal tendon distraction/traction test
With forceps or gentle traction, the surgeon tests how far the inner corner can be moved and how well it springs back. Excess motion suggests tendon laxity or detachment.
Lower-lid snap-back and distraction tests
These quick lid laxity tests show whether the eyelid tissues are generally loose, which can contribute to a wider inner corner position.
Fluorescein dye disappearance test (FDDT)
A yellow dye drop is placed on the eye surface. If the dye does not clear quickly, it may mean tear outflow is suboptimal, sometimes related to inner canthus malposition.
Lacrimal irrigation (syringing) and probing
Fluid is gently flushed through the tear drainage system. Resistance or reflux helps locate outflow problems that may coexist with telecanthus.
Jones dye tests (primary and secondary)
These track dye movement from the eye surface into the nose to confirm whether tears are draining properly.
Cover test/Hirschberg-Krimsky checks for true strabismus
Because telecanthus can mimic misalignment, simple alignment tests rule out real strabismus as a separate issue.

C) Lab and pathological tests

Targeted genetic testing for BPES (e.g., FOXL2)
In children with BPES features (narrow lid opening, ptosis, epicanthus inversus), a specific gene test can confirm the diagnosis and guide counseling.
Targeted genetic testing for Waardenburg (e.g., PAX3 and related genes)
When pigment changes and/or hearing loss are present with telecanthus, genetic testing supports the syndromic diagnosis.
Chromosomal microarray or karyotype (selected cases)
In babies with multiple anomalies, broader chromosomal tests may identify a syndrome that includes telecanthus as a feature.
Histopathology of medial canthal mass (if present)
If a dermoid, hemangioma, or other mass is suspected, a tissue specimen confirms the type and directs proper treatment.

D) Electrodiagnostic and audiologic tests

Auditory brainstem response (ABR) or formal audiology
For suspected Waardenburg or when caregivers report hearing concerns, objective hearing tests identify sensorineural loss early.
Visual evoked potential (VEP) or electro-oculography (selected cases)
Rarely needed for telecanthus itself, but may be used when the clinician suspects associated visual pathway or ocular motility disorders within a broader syndrome.

E) Imaging tests (additional tools often used)

CT scan of orbits and midface (including NOE complex)
Best for trauma. Shows fractures and the attachment site of the medial canthal tendon. Helps the surgeon plan tendon re-fixation.
3D CT reconstruction
Gives a three-dimensional view of the midface to assess the relationship of bones and tendon anchors, especially in post-traumatic cases.
MRI of face/orbits
Useful when a soft-tissue mass (like a hemangioma, dermoid, or encephalocele) is suspected to be pushing the inner canthus laterally.
Standardized clinical photography/3D surface imaging
High-quality photos or surface scans document measurements and help plan and assess outcomes.
Cephalometric radiographs (selected craniofacial cases)
Lateral and frontal cephalometrics assist craniofacial teams in complex, syndromic planning.

Non-Pharmacological Treatments (therapies and other measures)

Important: Non-surgical steps cannot move the inner corners closer together. They help comfort, appearance, decision-making, or post-operative results.

Education and counseling – clear explanation reduces anxiety and helps choose the right time for surgery; understanding the difference between telecanthus and hypertelorism guides expectations.
Observation with photo monitoring – in children, periodic photos and measurements track growth before surgery is planned.
Genetic counseling (syndromic cases) – helps families understand inheritance, timing of eyelid surgeries, and related health checks.
Psychosocial support – addresses self-image concerns, bullying risk in school, and prepares for surgery if desired.
Make-up and grooming strategies – simple cosmetic techniques (inner-corner brightening, eyebrow shaping) to visually narrow the look temporarily.
Glasses/nose-pad adjustments – proper bridge and pad settings improve symmetry and cosmetic balance.
Eyelid hygiene – warm compresses and lid cleaning keep the margin healthy, especially if surgery is planned.
Lubricating eye drops – relieve irritation if folds rub on the caruncle or conjunctiva.
Allergy control (environmental strategies) – reducing eye rubbing (cold compresses, allergen avoidance) limits fold irritation.
Scar massage (when appropriate) – after injury or surgery, guided massage softens scar and reduces tether.
Silicone sheeting/gel for scars – improves scar maturation around the inner corner (use after surgeon’s approval).
Sun protection – prevents scar darkening and thickening; helps cosmetic blending.
Nasal care after trauma – saline rinses/humidification prevent crusts that tug on healing tissues (per surgeon advice).
Nutritional optimization – good protein and micronutrients support wound healing pre/post-op.
Smoking cessation – smoking weakens healing and increases scar and infection risks.
Weight and blood sugar control – diabetes and poor nutrition increase wound complications.
Sleep with head elevation post-injury/surgery – reduces swelling and tension on the inner corner.
Cold then warm compress sequence – cold in the acute phase for swelling; later warm for comfort (as advised).
Taping for edema control (short term, supervised) – surgeon-directed gentle taping can limit early traction after surgery.
Plan surgery timing – in congenital syndromes, staged surgery (medial canthoplasty/epicanthoplasty then ptosis repair) often gives the safest, most effective outcome.

Drug Treatments

No medicine can reposition the inner canthal tendon. Drugs here support comfort, reduce swelling, prevent infection, and improve scars around surgery or trauma. Doses below are typical adult ranges; patients must follow their own doctor’s prescription and pediatric adjustments.

Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) – analgesic
Dose: 500–1000 mg orally every 6–8 h (max 3–4 g/day). Timing: short term after injury/surgery.
Purpose: pain control without bleeding risk. Mechanism: central COX inhibition.
Side effects: liver toxicity if overdosed or mixed with alcohol.
Ibuprofen – NSAID
Dose: 200–400 mg orally every 6–8 h with food. Timing: short-term pain/inflammation control.
Purpose: reduces swelling and pain. Mechanism: COX-1/COX-2 inhibition.
Side effects: stomach upset, bleeding risk, kidney strain; avoid close to surgery if surgeon advises.
Topical ophthalmic lubricants (carboxymethylcellulose, hyaluronate)
Dose: 1 drop as needed up to QID–Q6H. Timing: ongoing comfort.
Purpose: soothes irritation from folds or sutures. Mechanism: tear film support.
Side effects: brief blur, rare allergy.
Topical antibiotic ointment (e.g., erythromycin) for incisions
Dose: thin film to wound 2–3×/day for 3–7 days as prescribed.
Purpose: infection prevention of fresh eyelid incisions. Mechanism: inhibits bacterial growth.
Side effects: local irritation, rare allergy.
Short oral antibiotic (e.g., amoxicillin-clavulanate) in open fractures or contaminated wounds
Dose: common adult 875/125 mg every 12 h for 5–7 days (per clinician).
Purpose: prevents sinus/skin infection in trauma. Mechanism: cell wall inhibition + β-lactamase block.
Side effects: GI upset, allergy.
Short oral steroid burst (e.g., prednisone) – selective use
Dose: typical 0.5 mg/kg/day tapered over a few days, if used.
Purpose: reduce severe swelling after trauma; not routine. Mechanism: anti-inflammatory gene modulation.
Side effects: mood change, glucose rise, infection risk; avoid if contraindicated.
Intralesional triamcinolone for hypertrophic scars (specialist use)
Dose: 10–40 mg/mL injected into scar at intervals.
Purpose: flatten thick scars near canthus. Mechanism: collagen remodeling.
Side effects: skin thinning, pigment changes, telangiectasia if overused.
Antihistamine/mast-cell stabilizer eye drops (olopatadine class)
Dose: 1 drop once or twice daily.
Purpose: reduces itching/rubbing that worsens folds/scars. Mechanism: blocks histamine effects and release.
Side effects: transient sting, dryness.
Topical silicone-based scar gel (medical device; non-drug adjunct)
Use: thin layer 1–2×/day for weeks to months after wound closure.
Purpose: improves scar hydration and remodeling. Side effects: minimal skin irritation possible.
Botulinum toxin A (specialist, selective)
Dose: tiny units into selected muscles only when asymmetry or scar vectors would benefit.
Purpose: relaxes muscle pull during early healing in complex reconstructions.
Mechanism: temporary acetylcholine blockade at neuromuscular junction.
Side effects: temporary weakness of nearby muscles, asymmetry if misplaced.
(Note: not a standard telecanthus treatment; used case-by-case around scar vectors.)

Dietary Molecular Supplements

Always review supplements with the surgeon/doctor, especially before surgery, to avoid bleeding risks or drug interactions.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
Dose: 500–1000 mg/day. Function: collagen formation, antioxidant.
Mechanism: cofactor for proline/lysine hydroxylation in collagen.
Protein (whey or dietary)
Dose: 1.0–1.5 g/kg/day total protein intake. Function: wound building blocks.
Mechanism: supplies essential amino acids for repair.
Zinc
Dose: 15–30 mg elemental/day (short term). Function: enzyme cofactor for healing.
Mechanism: supports DNA synthesis and immune cell function.
Vitamin A
Dose: 2500–5000 IU/day (avoid excess; pregnancy caution). Function: epithelial healing.
Mechanism: regulates gene expression for skin/mucosa repair.
Vitamin D
Dose: as per level (often 1000–2000 IU/day). Function: immune modulation, bone/soft tissue health.
Mechanism: nuclear receptor effects in immune and stromal cells.
Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil)
Dose: ~1 g EPA+DHA/day unless surgical bleeding risk—pause pre-op if advised.
Function: anti-inflammatory milieu. Mechanism: eicosanoid profile shift.
Arginine
Dose: 3–6 g/day divided (short term). Function: supports collagen and nitric oxide-mediated perfusion.
Mechanism: substrate for NO synthase and protein synthesis.
Bromelain (pineapple enzyme)
Dose: 200–400 mg/day (enteric-coated), short term. Function: may reduce swelling/bruising.
Mechanism: proteolytic modulation of edema; evidence mixed.
Curcumin (with piperine for absorption)
Dose: 500–1000 mg/day standardized extract. Function: anti-inflammatory support.
Mechanism: NF-κB pathway modulation; stop pre-op if surgeon advises.
Copper (only if deficient)
Dose: typically 1–2 mg/day short term. Function: collagen cross-linking enzyme cofactor.
Mechanism: supports lysyl oxidase activity.

Regenerative / stem cell drug

There are no approved stem-cell drugs or “hard immunity boosters” that correct telecanthus. Using unregulated “stem cell” injections or unproven biologics near the eye can be dangerous. Here is a safe, ethical approach:

Vaccinations up to date – protects general health and supports safe surgery/recovery; not a cosmetic fix, but good medical practice.
Treat nutritional deficiencies (Vitamin D, iron, B12) – optimizes healing capacity.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for scar quality (experimental adjunct) – sometimes used by specialists for scar modulation; does not move canthi; evidence evolving.
Silicone sheeting/pressure therapy for scars – non-drug, regenerative-supportive approach improving scar architecture over months.
Microneedling/laser for mature scars (dermatologic adjunct) – may soften appearance near, not at, canthus; must be coordinated with the oculoplastic surgeon.
Avoidance of unapproved stem-cell clinics – the safest “treatment” is not to use them. Choose established surgical methods with proven outcomes.

Surgeries

Surgery is the only way to actually reduce the intercanthal distance in true telecanthus. The exact plan depends on cause (congenital vs trauma) and associated features (epicanthal fold, ptosis).

Transnasal medial canthopexy (TNMC)
Procedure: a strong suture or wire is passed across the nasal bridge and anchored to bone to pull each medial canthal tendon inward to the correct spot.
Why: gold-standard maneuver to re-position a stretched or displaced tendon, especially in post-traumatic telecanthus and severe congenital cases.
Medial canthoplasty with epicanthoplasty (e.g., double Z-plasty/Y-V techniques)
Procedure: carefully rearranges the skin folds around the inner corner (epicanthus) and tightens/anchors the tendon.
Why: reduces skin fold cover and brings the inner corners closer; essential in BPES.
Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of NOE fractures + medial canthal tendon re-attachment
Procedure: the broken midfacial bones are put back and fixed with plates/screws; the tendon is re-anchored precisely to bone (sometimes with mini-plates, anchors, or transnasal sutures).
Why: restores anatomy after trauma so the inner corners sit correctly.
Staged surgery in BPES (medial procedures first, then ptosis repair later)
Procedure: first stage addresses telecanthus and epicanthus; second stage elevates droopy lids (levator resection or frontalis suspension) once anatomy allows.
Why: safer, more predictable eyelid height and symmetry, minimizing corneal exposure.
Scar release with Z-plasty and tendon balancing (post-burn or post-surgical tether)
Procedure: releases tight scars, re-balances tension, and re-anchors the tendon as needed; may add skin grafts.
Why: corrects tethering that widens the corner and restores natural contour.

General surgical notes: Surgery is done by an oculoplastic surgeon (eye plastic surgeon). Risks include bleeding, infection, asymmetry, visible scar, need for revision, and—rarely—tear duct or eye injury. Precise marking, anchoring to sturdy bone, and tension balance are the keys to success.

Preventions

Use seatbelts and protective gear to reduce facial trauma risk.
Early evaluation after midface injury so the tendon can be addressed promptly.
Avoid untrained cosmetic procedures on eyelids/nasal bridge.
Allergy control and no eye-rubbing to minimize fold irritation.
Sun protection and scar care after injuries/surgeries.
Stop smoking well before any surgery.
Optimize nutrition (protein, vitamins) before and after surgery.
Control diabetes and other health issues that slow healing.
Follow post-op instructions exactly (wound care, activity limits).
Seek genetic counseling for syndromic families planning children.

When to see a doctor

If you or your child has wide inner eye corners or you’re unsure if it’s telecanthus vs hypertelorism.
If there was a nose/midface injury and the inner corner looks displaced.
If there is tearing, frequent infections, or pain near the inner corner.
If droopy lids or skin folds block vision.
If you are considering surgery and want a safe, staged plan.
If there are signs of a syndrome (family history, facial features, pigment changes, developmental concerns).

What to eat and what to avoid

What to eat:

Protein-rich foods (fish, eggs, dairy, legumes, lean meats) for tissue repair.
Vitamin C sources (citrus, berries, kiwi, peppers) for collagen.
Colorful vegetables and leafy greens for antioxidants and Vitamin A precursors.
Zinc sources (seafood, pumpkin seeds, beans) for healing.
Whole grains and adequate water to support metabolism and recovery.

What to avoid (especially around surgery):

Smoking and vaping (they impair healing).
Excess alcohol (bleeding, poor immunity).
Very salty foods (increase swelling).
Herbal/botanical supplements that raise bleeding risk (e.g., high-dose fish oil, ginkgo, garlic, ginseng, turmeric/curcumin) in the pre-op window if your surgeon advises pausing them.
Ultra-processed sugary foods that raise inflammation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is telecanthus the same as hypertelorism?
No. Telecanthus = soft-tissue inner corners are far apart with normal bone position. Hypertelorism = bony eye sockets are far apart.
Does telecanthus affect eyesight?
Usually no. Vision is normal unless there are other problems like droopy lids covering the pupil.
Can exercises or medicines fix telecanthus?
No. Only surgery can move the inner corners closer. Non-surgical steps help comfort and scars.
What surgery is most common?
Transnasal medial canthopexy (often with epicanthoplasty) for congenital cases; ORIF + tendon re-attachment for trauma.
What age is best for congenital cases (like BPES)?
Surgeons often stage procedures—medial canthoplasty/epicanthoplasty first in early childhood, then ptosis repair later. Timing is individualized.
Will there be a scar?
Yes, but surgeons hide incisions in natural creases and use scar care to make them fine and less visible over time.
Can telecanthus come back after surgery?
Relapse is uncommon with solid bone anchoring and good scar care, but subtle changes can happen as a child grows or scars mature.
Is surgery painful?
Discomfort is usually mild to moderate and controlled with simple pain medicines. Swelling and bruising are expected for 1–2 weeks.
How long is recovery?
Stitches often come out within a week. Most swelling settles in 2–3 weeks; final shape continues to refine for several months.
Are tear ducts at risk?
The lacrimal system lies nearby. Experienced surgeons protect or repair it during medial canthal procedures.
What if I only have telecanthus on one side?
Asymmetric cases are handled with tailored anchoring and sometimes small adjustments on the other side for balance.
Do I need imaging?
Trauma cases often need CT to plan repair. Pure congenital cases may not need imaging beyond clinical measurements.
Is genetics always involved?
No. Some are isolated; others are syndromic (e.g., BPES, Waardenburg). Genetic testing is used when features suggest a syndrome.
Can make-up help?
Yes—inner-corner brightening and brow shaping can make the inner corners look closer. It’s a temporary cosmetic aid.
Are “stem cell treatments” helpful?
No approved stem-cell therapy corrects telecanthus. Stick to proven surgical methods and safe scar-care strategies.

Disclaimer: Each person’s journey is unique, treatment plan, life style, food habit, hormonal condition, immune system, chronic disease condition, geological location, weather and previous medical history is also unique. So always seek the best advice from a qualified medical professional or health care provider before trying any treatments to ensure to find out the best plan for you. This guide is for general information and educational purposes only. Regular check-ups and awareness can help to manage and prevent complications associated with these diseases conditions. If you or someone are suffering from this disease condition bookmark this website or share with someone who might find it useful! Boost your knowledge and stay ahead in your health journey. We always try to ensure that the content is regularly updated to reflect the latest medical research and treatment options. Thank you for giving your valuable time to read the article.

The article is written by Team RxHarun and reviewed by the Rx Editorial Board Members

Last Updated: August 28, 2025.

PDF Document For This Disease Conditions

References

SaveSavedRemoved 0