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Asymmetrical eyes, where one eye differs in size, shape, or level compared to the other, are quite common. In rare cases, having asymmetrical eyes may indicate an underlying medical issue. However, most of the time, there’s no cause for concern.
While an individual might be conscious of their facial or ocular asymmetry, it’s unlikely that others will notice it. In fact, research suggests that a certain degree of facial asymmetry is both normal and desirable.
Continue reading to delve deeper into asymmetrical eyes, including potential causes and treatments.
Causes of Eye Asymmetry
The potential causes of eye asymmetry include:
Genetics
Genetics can account for eye asymmetry and other types of facial asymmetry. Individuals with asymmetrical eyes may notice similar features in other family members. Having asymmetrical eyes due to genetics isn’t a cause for concern.
Aging
Studies based on medical imaging show a significant link between increasing age and facial and eye asymmetry. With age, the soft tissues of the face relax. Cartilage, such as that in the nose, continues to grow while bones do not. These changes can lead to asymmetry.
Lifestyle Factors
Certain lifestyle factors can contribute to eye irregularity. For instance, research on couples has established a link between smoking and ptosis of the upper eyelid, also known as droopy eyelids.
Similarly, excessive sun exposure can alter the skin around the eyes. Sun damage may affect one side of the face more than the other, resulting in eye asymmetry.
Trauma
A blow to the face or a collision with a vehicle can damage the eye region and cause asymmetry.
Facial trauma can cause enophthalmos, or eye displacement. People then feel like they have a sunken eye.
Sinus Conditions
Some sinus conditions can also lead to enophthalmos. These include:
- Chronic maxillary sinusitis
- Tumors of the maxillary sinus
- Silent sinus syndrome
In these conditions, eye changes can occur suddenly or gradually. They may also cause other symptoms such as:
- Fatigue
- Runny nose
- Pain and swelling
- Decreased taste and smell
- Sore throat
Treatment for Eye Asymmetry: Correcting Asymmetrical Eyes
In most cases, eye asymmetry doesn’t require treatment, especially if it’s due to genetics or aging.
Consider Eyelid Surgery with Aram Clinic
However, if an underlying medical issue contributes to facial asymmetry, treatment may be necessary. Treatment may also be necessary if eye asymmetry leads to vision problems. Some individuals may wish to address eye asymmetry for aesthetic reasons. Possible treatments include:
Botulinum Toxin
Botulinum toxin is a non-surgical option for treating asymmetrical eyes. It involves injecting Botox, a muscle relaxant derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, into the brow area. Treatment with this filler product lifts the eyebrows, thereby reducing the appearance of uneven eyes. The effects of botulinum toxin typically last from 3 to 6 months.
Brow Lift
A brow lift is a cosmetic procedure that involves lifting the eyebrows. The goal is to give the face a younger appearance and greater symmetry. There are different techniques a surgeon can use to lift the eyebrows, but they typically perform the procedure under general anesthesia.
Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic surgery that corrects uneven eyelids. It’s a commonly performed aesthetic procedure. During the surgery, the surgeon removes excess fat, muscle, or skin around the eyes to make them more symmetrical.
Orbital Surgery
Orbital surgery involves intervention on the eye socket (orbit). There are several types of orbital surgery, depending on the problem and the area of the orbit it affects.
A surgeon may perform surgeries to:
- Repair fractures
- Remove tumors
- Take out bones or fat to treat the effects of Graves’ disease
- Reconstruct the anatomy of the orbit