Canthus


Canthus is either corner of the eye where the upper and lower eyelids meet. More specifically, the inner and outer canthi are, respectively, the medial and lateral ends/angles of the palpebral fissure.
The bicanthal plane is the transversal plane linking both canthi and defines the upper boundary of the midface.

Etymology

Canthus is the Latinized form of the Ancient Greek : kanthós, 'corner of the eye'.

Population distribution

tend to have the inner canthus veiled by the epicanthus. In the Caucasian or double eyelid, the inner corner tends to be exposed completely.

Commissures

Canthoplasty refers to a plastic surgery of the medial and/or lateral canthus. This technique is common in cosmetic procedures, as well as procedures that address eyelid function or malposition.
A canthotomy involves cutting the canthus, often performed to release excessive orbital pressure.
The two canthi of each eye are represented in cephalometric analysis by the endocanthion and exocanthion landmarks.

Pathology

, or dystopia canthorum, is a lateral displacement of the inner canthi of the eyes, giving an appearance of a widened nasal bridge. It is associated with Waardenburg syndrome, which is due to mutation in PAX gene.