The term Hypertelorism means an increase in the distance between two parts of the body, and Hypertonicism in the eye is characterized by an exaggerated spacing between the orbits, more than what is considered normal, and may be associated with other craniofacial deformations.
This condition has different degrees of severity and occurs due to a congenital change and is generally associated with other genetic diseases, such as Apert, Down or Crouzon syndrome, for example.
Treatment is usually done for aesthetic reasons and consists of surgery in which the orbits are moved to their normal position.
What causes
Hypertelorism is a congenital malformation, which means that it occurs during the development of the fetus in the mother's belly and is usually associated with other genetic diseases such as Apert, Down or Crouzon syndrome, for example, due to mutations in chromosomes.
These mutations are more likely to occur in women with risk factors such as pregnancy at a late age, ingestion of toxins, medications, alcohol, drugs or infections during pregnancy.
Possible signs and symptoms
In people with hypertelorism, the eyes are farther apart than normal, and this distance may vary. In addition, Hypertelorism may also be associated with other craniofacial deformations, which depends on the syndrome or mutation that originates this problem.
However, despite these malformations, in most people, mental and psychological development is normal.
How the treatment is done
Generally, treatment consists of corrective surgery that is performed for aesthetic reasons only and consists of:
- Place the two closest orbits; Correct the orbital displacement; Correct the shape and position of the nose. Correct excess skin over the nose, nasal slits or eyebrows that are out of place.
The recovery time depends on the surgery technique used and the extent of the deformations. This surgery is not recommended for children under the age of 5 years.
