Medial canthal tendon avulsion means the small, tough band of tissue at the inner corner of your eyelids (near the nose) has been torn off its normal anchor on the bone. This band is called the medial canthal tendon (MCT). It holds the inner corners of the upper and lower eyelids in the correct position against the eyeball and helps the tear drainage system work like a pump. When the tendon is pulled loose (avulsed), the eyelid corner sits too far outward, the eye may water because tears no longer drain well, and the face can look “wider” at the bridge of the nose (called telecanthus—an increased distance between the inner corners of the eyes). This injury almost always happens after facial trauma and often comes with cuts of the eyelid and the tear drainage channels (canaliculi) or fractures of the thin bones at the nose and inner eye socket (naso-orbito-ethmoid, NOE, fracture).
Medial canthal tendon avulsion means the inner corner of the eyelids (near the nose) has lost its normal anchor to the bone.
Medial canthal tendon (MCT): a tough band of tissue that ties the upper and lower eyelids to the bone on the side of your nose.
Avulsion: the tendon is torn off or ripped away from where it should attach.
When the MCT is no longer anchored, the eyelids at the inner corner shift outward, the tear drainage openings (puncta) no longer line up well with the tear lake, and the eyelids become unstable. People often notice a “wider look” between the inner corners (called telecanthus), tearing, swelling, and pain after an injury.
Why this matters: the MCT helps you blink in a straight line, keeps the eyelid edges touching the eye, and powers the “tear pump” that moves tears into the nose. If it’s avulsed, blinking and tear drainage don’t work right, vision can blur from constant tears, and the face can look different.
Anatomy
Imagine the eyelids as a belt, and the MCT as the belt buckle at the inner corner. The buckle is fixed to the bone by two straps:
The front (anterior) limb of the tendon attaches to the front ridge of bone (anterior lacrimal crest).
The back (posterior) limb attaches deeper to the back ridge (posterior lacrimal crest) and blends with Horner’s muscle, a small muscle that helps pump tears.
In an avulsion, that “buckle” pulls off the bone. Sometimes a small piece of bone breaks with it; sometimes only the tendon tears away.
Types
Partial vs. complete avulsion
Partial: part of the tendon still holds. The inner corner is a bit loose but not fully displaced.
Complete: the tendon is fully off; the inner corner is clearly widened and unstable.
From bone vs. in-tendon rupture
From bone: tendon pulls off with or without a chip of bone (common in blunt facial trauma).
In-tendon: the tendon fibers tear in the middle.
With vs. without bone fracture
Often tied to naso-orbito-ethmoid (NOE) fractures, where small bones near the nose and inner orbit break.
Without fracture, the tendon or its periosteal sleeve may tear in a sharp laceration.
With vs. without canalicular injury
The tiny tear ducts (upper or lower canaliculi) may be cut. If cut, tearing is much worse unless repaired.
Open vs. closed injury
Open: a visible cut or laceration.
Closed: skin intact but deep structures torn (common with blunt hits or airbags).
Unilateral vs. bilateral
One side vs. both sides (both sides can occur with high-energy injuries and can cause marked telecanthus).
Acute vs. chronic
Acute: fresh injury (hours to weeks).
Chronic: older injury with scarring and persistent telecanthus or tearing.
Soft-tissue-loss associated
There is missing skin or muscle at the inner corner, complicating repair.
Pediatric vs. adult patterns
Children’s bones are more pliable; bone fragments can move as a unit with the tendon (“en bloc” mobility).
Isolated MCT vs. combined eyelid-corner injuries
Sometimes both the medial and lateral canthal tendons are injured, producing global eyelid laxity.
Causes
Direct fist punch to the nose/inner eye corner
A sudden, focused force can tear the tendon off the bone or crack the bone it attaches to.Airbag deployment in a car crash
Rapid inflation slams the inner corner; the tendon can avulse, with or without small bone fragments.Steering wheel or dashboard impact
The face hits hard surfaces; inner corner structures are strained or torn.Falls (bathroom, stairs, pavement)
A fall onto the nose/eyeglass frame can shear the tendon.Sports injuries (balls, elbows, sticks)
Blunt hits in basketball, soccer, hockey, cricket, or martial arts commonly strike the inner orbit.Bicycle or scooter handlebar impact
Narrow, rigid bars can focus force at the medial canthus.Assault with blunt objects
Bottles, batons, or other objects create combined soft-tissue and bone injury.Glass lacerations in vehicle collisions
Sharp cuts can slice the tendon and canaliculi while blunt force displaces the corner.Dog bites or animal attacks
Tearing and crushing of soft tissue can rip the tendon and tear ducts.High-energy industrial accidents
Metal edges, machinery, or projectiles cause mixed blunt and sharp trauma.Explosions or blast waves
Pressure waves and shrapnel injure the delicate inner canthal area and surrounding bones.Nasal bone and ethmoid fractures
Fractures near the tendon’s bony seat make avulsion more likely.Complications during sinus or nasal surgery
Rarely, instruments near the lacrimal bone area can disrupt the tendon or its periosteum.Complications during lacrimal or eyelid surgery
Very uncommon, but difficult dissections around the inner canthus can injure tendon fibers.Tumor removal near the inner canthus
Wide excisions can sacrifice the tendon, requiring later reconstruction.Penetrating trauma (knives, metal shards)
A deep cut can cleanly sever the tendon and canaliculi.Severe facial crush injuries (vehicle, building collapse)
Global midface damage pulls the tendon off with bony fragments.Pathologic bone fragility
Conditions thinning facial bones make tendon attachment easier to avulse during moderate trauma.Congenital craniofacial anomalies
Rarely, abnormal anatomy predisposes to instability and easy tearing.Connective tissue weakness (rare)
Systemic laxity disorders can make tendons more prone to tearing under stress.
Symptoms and signs
Pain and tenderness at the inner corner
Hurts to touch; pain worsens with blinking because muscles tug on a loose anchor.Swelling and bruising around the nose and eyelids
Soft tissues bleed and swell after trauma; bluish discoloration is common.Tearing that runs down the cheek (epiphora)
The tear openings shift out of position; the tear pump fails, so tears overflow.A “wider” look between inner eye corners (telecanthus)
The inner corners sit farther apart; friends may notice facial asymmetry.Visible droop or outward rolling of the eyelid margin near the nose
The delicate eyelid edge loses support and turns outward (ectropion) at the inner end.Difficulty closing the eye completely at the inner corner
The blink line is no longer straight; a tiny gap may remain.Red, irritated eye from exposed tear lake
Constant wetness and wind exposure cause redness and burning.Blood in the white of the eye (subconjunctival hemorrhage)
Harmless in many cases, but it signals the force of impact.Tender “step” or irregular ridge at the inner orbital rim
Suggests a small bone fragment has moved.Nosebleed and nasal tenderness
Common if nearby nasal bones or septum are injured.Blurry vision from film of tears
Tears smear the cornea; vision clears briefly after blinking then blurs again.Double vision or pain with eye movement (if fractures extend into orbit)
Muscles can be bruised or trapped; needs urgent attention.Clicking or abnormal movement when the inner eyelid is gently pulled
The corner may feel mobile, as if attached to a loose bit of bone.Visible cut at the inner corner (in open injuries)
A laceration may expose the pink lacrimal sac area and canalicular ends.Numbness or tingling around the inner brow or nose
Nearby sensory nerves (supratrochlear/infratrochlear) can be bruised.
Diagnostic tests
A) Physical examination
Careful inspection under good light
The doctor looks for telecanthus, eyelid malposition, punctum position, skin cuts, and symmetry. In simple words: they compare both inner corners side-by-side.Palpation of the medial orbital rim
Gentle finger pressure along the bony edge checks for steps, tenderness, or movement of a small bone fragment. A “step” hints at a fracture attached to the tendon.Measurement of intercanthal distance
A ruler or caliper measures the gap between inner corners. A larger number than expected supports avulsion or NOE fracture.Fluorescein dye disappearance test (tear outflow check)
A harmless orange dye is put in the eye. If dye lingers on the eye after a few minutes, tear drainage is poor—often due to malposition or canalicular injury.Eye movement and pupil checks
Ensures muscles and nerves inside the orbit work properly, and rules out associated orbital injury that can change management urgency.
B) Manual tests
Medial canthal traction (“bowstring”) test
The inner corner skin is gently pulled laterally. If a mobile bony piece moves as a unit, it suggests an NOE fracture carrying the tendon with it.Lower eyelid distraction and snap-back
The lower lid is pulled down and released. Excess laxity or poor recoil near the inner corner hints at tendon loss and muscle detachment.Punctal dilation with probing/irrigation
A tiny probe checks whether the upper or lower canaliculus is cut or blocked. Saline irrigation tells if fluid reaches the nose or leaks out of a cut end.Gentle eversion of the eyelid
The inner lid lining is inspected for hidden lacerations, foreign bodies, or exposed tendon fibers.
C) Laboratory and pathological tests
Complete blood count (CBC)
Looks for anemia (from bleeding) or infection (bite wounds, contaminated lacerations). Not diagnostic for avulsion, but useful in planning surgery and antibiotics.Coagulation profile (PT/INR, aPTT)
If bleeding is heavy or the patient uses blood thinners, this helps plan safe repair.Wound swab for culture (contaminated or bite wounds)
Guides antibiotic choice if infection occurs or the wound is dirty.Histopathology (if a tumor was removed)
When avulsion occurs during tumor surgery, the tissue is examined to confirm margins and guide reconstruction timing.
D) Electrodiagnostic tests
Facial nerve conduction to orbicularis oculi (targeted study)
Measures how well the blink muscle is being activated. Useful when there is concern about nerve injury in complex trauma.Blink reflex testing
Assesses the trigeminal–facial reflex arc (R1/R2 responses). Abnormalities suggest nerve pathway injury contributing to poor blink or tear pump failure.Needle EMG of orbicularis oculi
Looks for muscle denervation changes near the inner canthus when nerve damage is suspected and clinical findings are unclear.
Note: These electrodiagnostic tests are not routine for everyone. They’re reserved for complicated, mixed soft-tissue and nerve injuries when exam alone cannot explain weakness or poor blinking.
E) Imaging tests
Thin-slice CT scan of the orbits and facial bones (axial/coronal, bone algorithm)
The key test in trauma. It shows fractures of the frontal process of the maxilla, lacrimal bone, and ethmoid area where the MCT attaches. Surgeons plan repairs from this.3-D CT reconstruction (if available)
Provides a “map” of bone fragments and the inner orbital rim, clarifying the position of the canthal anchor point and any en-bloc fragments.MRI of the orbit (select cases)
Better for soft tissues. It can show torn tendon fibers, muscle injuries, or lacrimal sac damage when CT answers are incomplete and there’s concern inside the soft tissue.Contrast dacryocystography or CT-DCG (selected)
Contrast is gently injected into the canaliculus to outline the lacrimal drainage pathway on imaging. Helpful if canalicular/sac injury is suspected and surgery is being planned.
Non-pharmacological treatments
These help stabilize, protect, or speed safe healing. They do not replace surgical repair when the tendon is avulsed.
Eye shield protection
Purpose: Prevents accidental pressure or further damage.
Mechanism: Creates a rigid barrier over the eye without compressing it.Head elevation (30°) during rest
Purpose: Less swelling and pain.
Mechanism: Gravity reduces venous congestion and tissue edema.Cold compress in first 24–48 hours
Purpose: Limits swelling and bruising.
Mechanism: Vasoconstriction slows fluid leakage into tissues.Wound irrigation with sterile saline (in clinic/ER)
Purpose: Lowers infection risk, removes debris.
Mechanism: Mechanical washout decreases bacterial load and foreign bodies.Gentle wound debridement (by clinician)
Purpose: Removes dead tissue to promote healthy healing.
Mechanism: Reduces biofilm and improves blood flow to the edge of the wound.Sterile, non-adherent dressings
Purpose: Protects wound and keeps it moist (optimal healing).
Mechanism: A moist, clean environment supports cell migration and collagen laydown.Temporary eyelid traction (Frost suture) if indicated
Purpose: Protects the cornea in severe swelling or exposure.
Mechanism: Holds the lid closed to keep the surface wet—usually short-term.Nasal precautions (no nose blowing; sneeze open-mouth)
Purpose: Prevents air leaking into the orbit and wound.
Mechanism: Reduces pressure spikes through the nasolacrimal system.Activity modification (avoid contact sports, heavy lifting)
Purpose: Prevents re-injury or disruption of repairs.
Mechanism: Lowers mechanical stress across the healing tendon.Smoking cessation
Purpose: Faster, stronger healing; fewer infections.
Mechanism: Nicotine and carbon monoxide impair blood flow and fibroblast function.Alcohol moderation
Purpose: Better wound repair and medication adherence.
Mechanism: Alcohol excess suppresses immune function and collagen formation.Humidified room air and blink hygiene
Purpose: Comfort; protects the ocular surface.
Mechanism: Moist air reduces tear evaporation; mindful blinking spreads tears.Lid hygiene around, not on, the wound
Purpose: Keeps crusts away from sutures without disturbing them.
Mechanism: Warm, damp gauze to soften crusts at safe distances.Silicone scar gel or sheets (after complete epithelial healing)
Purpose: Flatter, paler scars.
Mechanism: Occlusion and hydration modulate collagen remodeling.Sun protection for scars (hat, SPF ≥30 once healed)
Purpose: Prevents dark, raised scars (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation).
Mechanism: UV exposure drives pigment and abnormal collagen signals.Cold-then-warm compress progression (after 48–72 h)
Purpose: Early cold reduces swelling; warm later increases circulation.
Mechanism: Heat promotes capillary flow and clearance of by-products.Vision safety habits (temporary protective glasses)
Purpose: Shields healing area from wind, dust, accidental hits.
Mechanism: Physical barrier.Guided facial physiotherapy (later stage only)
Purpose: Keeps periocular muscles supple without stressing repairs.
Mechanism: Gentle range-of-motion under surgeon’s advice.Wound care education
Purpose: Early detection of infection or suture problems.
Mechanism: Patient checks for redness, pus, fever, suture loosening.Psychological support after facial trauma
Purpose: Reduces anxiety/PTSD, improves adherence.
Mechanism: Counseling and reassurance lower stress hormones that impair healing.
Evidence-based drug treatments
(Classes, typical adult dosing, timing, purpose, mechanism, key side effects. Always individualized by your clinician; pediatric dosing differs.)
Topical ophthalmic antibiotic ointment (e.g., erythromycin 0.5% or bacitracin)
Dose/Time: Thin ribbon to skin sutures 3–4×/day for 5–7 days.
Purpose: Prevents skin/eyelid margin infection.
Mechanism: Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis/cell wall.
Side effects: Local irritation, blurry vision right after application; allergy is rare.Systemic bite-wound prophylaxis (for animal/human bites): amoxicillin-clavulanate 875/125 mg PO twice daily 3–5 days (extend to 7–10 if needed).
Purpose: Covers mixed aerobes/anaerobes.
Mechanism: β-lactam blocks cell wall; clavulanate inhibits β-lactamase.
Side effects: GI upset, diarrhea, allergy.
Penicillin allergy alternatives: doxycycline 100 mg PO twice daily ± metronidazole 500 mg PO 3×/day; or moxifloxacin 400 mg PO daily (adults).Tetanus prophylaxis (vaccine ± tetanus immune globulin)
Dose/Time: Per immunization status and wound type (dirty vs. clean).
Purpose: Prevents tetanus.
Mechanism: Active immunization (toxoid); passive antibodies (TIG) if non-immune.
Side effects: Sore arm, fever; TIG may cause local pain.Analgesics—acetaminophen
Dose/Time: 500–1,000 mg every 6–8 h (max 3,000 mg/day, or as advised).
Purpose: Pain relief without platelet effects.
Mechanism: Central COX modulation.
Side effects: Liver toxicity if overdosed or mixed with alcohol.Analgesics—NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen)
Dose/Time: 400 mg every 6–8 h (OTC max 1,200 mg/day; Rx often up to 2,400 mg/day short term).
Purpose: Pain and swelling control.
Mechanism: COX inhibition → less prostaglandin.
Side effects: Stomach upset/bleeding, kidney strain; avoid if bleeding risk is high or surgeon advises against.Topical ocular antibiotic drops (if corneal abrasion present; e.g., moxifloxacin 0.5% 4×/day for 3–5 days)
Purpose: Prevents corneal infection.
Mechanism: Inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase.
Side effects: Transient stinging, rare allergy.Short course oral steroids (selected cases with major edema; surgeon-directed)
Dose/Time: e.g., prednisone 0.5 mg/kg/day for 3–5 days, then taper.
Purpose: Reduce severe inflammation that threatens repair or vision (not routine).
Mechanism: Broad anti-inflammatory gene regulation.
Side effects: Insomnia, mood change, glucose rise, infection risk—use cautiously.Topical vasoconstrictor/decongestant for nasal bleeding (e.g., oxymetazoline 0.05% spray, up to 2 sprays/nostril twice daily, ≤3 days)
Purpose: Controls anterior nosebleed during evaluation.
Mechanism: α-adrenergic vasoconstriction.
Side effects: Rebound congestion if overused; avoid in certain cardiac conditions.Antiemetics (e.g., ondansetron 4–8 mg PO every 8 h as needed)
Purpose: Prevents vomiting that spikes facial venous pressure.
Mechanism: 5-HT3 blockade.
Side effects: Headache, constipation.Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (for at-risk animal bites; follow national protocol)
Dose/Time: Vaccine series ± rabies immunoglobulin.
Purpose: Prevents rabies.
Mechanism: Active and passive immunization.
Side effects: Sore arm, fever.
Note: Antibiotics and immunizations are especially important for bite wounds and contaminated lacerations. Final choices depend on local bacteria, allergies, pregnancy, age, and co-illnesses.
Dietary, molecular, and supportive supplements
(Typical adult amounts; always discuss with your clinician—these are adjuncts, not cures.)
Protein intake: 1.2–1.5 g/kg/day
Function/Mechanism: Amino acids supply building blocks for collagen and muscle repair.Vitamin C: 500 mg twice daily
Function: Collagen cross-linking and antioxidant support.
Mechanism: Cofactor for prolyl/lysyl hydroxylase; scavenges free radicals.Zinc: 15–30 mg elemental zinc/day (short term 2–4 weeks)
Function: DNA/RNA synthesis for cell proliferation.
Mechanism: Enzyme cofactor in healing pathways.Vitamin A: 2,500–5,000 IU/day (avoid in pregnancy excess)
Function: Epithelial repair.
Mechanism: Regulates gene expression in keratinocytes/fibroblasts.Copper: 2 mg/day
Function: Collagen maturation (lysyl oxidase cofactor).
Mechanism: Cross-linking of collagen and elastin.Selenium: 100–200 mcg/day
Function: Antioxidant enzyme (glutathione peroxidase).
Mechanism: Lowers oxidative stress in wounds.Omega-3 (EPA+DHA): 1–2 g/day
Function: Modulates excessive inflammation, may reduce pain.
Mechanism: Pro-resolving lipid mediators.Arginine: 3–6 g/day
Function: Collagen synthesis and immune support.
Mechanism: Precursor for nitric oxide; supports fibroblasts.Glutamine: 5–10 g/day
Function: Fuel for rapidly dividing cells in wounds.
Mechanism: Supports nucleotide synthesis and immune cells.Collagen peptides: 10 g/day
Function: Provides collagen-rich amino acid profile.
Mechanism: Glycine/proline supply for new collagen.Bromelain: 500–1,000 mg/day (away from meals)
Function: May reduce swelling/bruising.
Mechanism: Proteolytic enzyme affecting inflammatory mediators.Curcumin (with piperine): 500 mg 1–2×/day
Function: Anti-inflammatory support.
Mechanism: NF-κB pathway modulation.Quercetin: 500 mg/day
Function: Antioxidant; may limit edema.
Mechanism: Mast cell stabilization, free-radical scavenging.Probiotics (e.g., Lactobacillus/Bifidobacterium blend)
Function: Gut support during/after antibiotics.
Mechanism: Restores microbiome balance; lowers GI side effects.Hyaluronic acid (oral): 120–240 mg/day
Function: Skin hydration and scar quality support.
Mechanism: Hydrophilic glycosaminoglycan aiding extracellular matrix.
Cautions: Interactions and side effects exist (e.g., omega-3 and bleeding risk at high doses). Supplements should never delay surgical repair.
Regenerative / stem-cell–type” therapies
These are adjuncts sometimes discussed for difficult wounds. They do not replace tendon re-attachment and many are off-label or research-only for periocular trauma. Use only under specialist guidance.
Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
Dose/Use: Prepared from 10–30 mL of your blood; applied intra-op or to wound per protocol.
Function: Concentrated growth factors (PDGF, TGF-β) to support healing.
Mechanism: Stimulates fibroblasts, angiogenesis.
Note: Evidence is mixed; not standard for MCT avulsion.Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) membranes
Use: Fibrin clot membrane placed in selected wounds.
Function/Mechanism: Slow release of growth factors; scaffold for cells.
Note: Investigational around eyelids.Amniotic membrane products (grafts or drops, when surface damage coexists)
Function: Anti-inflammatory matrix, supports epithelialization.
Mechanism: Contains HC-HA/PTX3 complex; moderates scarring.
Note: More commonly used for cornea/conjunctiva than for tendon itself.Recombinant platelet-derived growth factor (e.g., becaplermin 0.01% gel)
Dose: Thin layer daily to specific chronic wounds (approved for diabetic ulcers).
Function/Mechanism: PDGF-BB stimulates granulation tissue.
Note: Not approved for facial lacerations; cancer risk cautions; avoid unless specialist indicates.Autologous serum eye drops (if significant ocular surface issues)
Dose: Typically 20% serum drops 4–8×/day (ophthalmology-compounded).
Function/Mechanism: Growth factors and vitamins support corneal healing.Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapies
Status: Experimental/clinical trial only.
Function/Mechanism: Paracrine signals may modulate inflammation and repair.
Note: Not standard care for MCT avulsion.
Surgeries
Medial canthal tendon re-attachment (primary repair)
Procedure: Through a small incision, the surgeon finds the torn tendon stumps, identifies the bony posterior lacrimal crest, drills a tiny trans-nasal hole or uses an anchor/plate, and stitches the tendon (often posterior limb first) back to bone at the correct tension and position.
Why: Restores the natural inner corner, eyelid-globe contact, and tear pump.Canalicular laceration repair with silicone intubation
Procedure: Microsurgical re-joining of the cut tear duct(s) with a silicone stent (Monoka, Crawford) that stays several months.
Why: Keeps the tiny tube open while it heals so tears can drain.NOE fracture reduction and rigid fixation (if present)
Procedure: Realignment of small fractured bones around the nose/inner orbit using plates/screws; the MCT may be re-anchored to the repaired bone.
Why: Rebuilds stable bone so the tendon can be attached in the right place.Medial canthopexy/canthoplasty for late telecanthus (secondary reconstruction)
Procedure: If initial injury was missed or stretched out, the surgeon releases scar, recreates the medial retinaculum, and re-anchors the tendon to bone (often using drills or micro-anchors).
Why: Corrects persistent widening/tearing after delayed presentation.Adjunctive eyelid margin/lash line repairs
Procedure: Precise-layer closure of any associated lid splits; cartilage (tarsus) alignment; sometimes temporary tarsorrhaphy to protect the cornea.
Why: Restores smooth lid edge and corneal protection.
Timing: Ideally within 24–72 hours for best anatomical results, once the globe is safe and the patient is stable. Bites may be irrigated and repaired promptly with antibiotic cover.
Ways to prevent this injury
Wear protective eyewear during high-risk work and sports.
Always use seatbelts and proper child restraints.
Use helmets for biking, skating, e-scooters.
Train and leash dogs; supervise children with animals.
Follow workplace PPE rules (face shields, guards).
Avoid alcohol or drugs when operating vehicles or machinery.
Keep tetanus vaccination up to date.
Secure home hazards (sharp edges, slippery floors, low shelves).
Seek early care for facial fractures/cuts—don’t “wait it out.”
After any face injury, do not blow your nose until cleared.
When to see a doctor—urgently vs. soon
Go to emergency care now (same day) if you have:
A cut at the inner eyelid corner after trauma
Eyelid pulled away or rounded inner corner
Persistent tearing or blood from puncta
Vision loss, double vision, severe pain, or eye cannot close
Signs of infection: spreading redness, pus, fever
A bite wound, especially from a dog or human
Schedule follow-up soon if:
Tearing or eyelid malposition persists after initial care
Scar is pulling the lid or corner out of place
You had canalicular stents placed and need removal (usually in 3–6 months)
What to eat (and what to avoid) during recovery
Eat more of:
Lean proteins (eggs, fish, poultry, legumes) for tissue building.
Citrus, berries, kiwi, guava (vitamin C).
Leafy greens, orange vegetables (vitamin A & K).
Nuts, seeds, whole grains (zinc, selenium, copper).
Healthy fats (olive oil, avocado, omega-3 fish).
Limit/avoid:
Smoking and vaping (major healing slow-down).
Heavy alcohol (impairs immunity and collagen).
Very salty foods (worsen swelling).
Excess sugar/ultra-processed foods (pro-inflammatory).
High-dose supplements you weren’t prescribed (interaction risks).
Frequently asked questions
Can an avulsed medial canthal tendon heal by itself?
Unlikely to heal in the correct place. Most cases need surgical re-attachment to restore function and appearance.Is it an emergency?
It is urgent. Early repair within 1–3 days gives the best results, once the eyeball is safe and you are medically stable.Will I have a visible scar?
Usually a small, well-placed scar that fades over months. Silicone gel, sun protection, and good wound care help.Why am I tearing all the time?
The torn tendon lets the lid drift off the eyeball and often the tear duct is cut. Both break the tear pump, causing overflow.Do I always need a CT scan?
If a fracture is suspected (tender nose/bridge, deformity, crepitus), a CT guides safe, accurate repair.What if my canaliculus is cut?
It’s microsurgically rejoined and a silicone stent is placed for several months to keep it open while healing.Will I need to stay in the hospital?
Many repairs are done same day or overnight, depending on associated injuries.How long until I’m “normal”?
Bruising/swelling improve in 2–3 weeks. Final scar and contour can mature over 6–12 months.Can I wear contact lenses after surgery?
Usually not until your surgeon clears you; lenses may irritate the healing surface.When can I exercise or play sports again?
Light activity in 1–2 weeks; no contact sports until your surgeon confirms stable healing (often 6–8 weeks or more).Do steroids help the swelling?
Sometimes a short, surgeon-directed course is used. They carry risks and are not routine.What if the repair is delayed for weeks?
Secondary medial canthoplasty can still improve position and tearing, but early repair is easier and often better.Can massage fix the displacement?
No. This is a mechanical detachment. Massage cannot re-anchor a tendon to bone.Are “stem cell” treatments needed?
No for standard cases. They are experimental and not a substitute for proper surgical repair.Will I always have tearing after repair?
Many patients improve a lot. If tearing persists, your doctor can test and treat residual tear-duct narrowing.
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 12, 2025.
