The term Hypertelorism means the increase of the distance between two parts of the body, and Ocular hypertelorism is characterized by an exaggerated distance 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 usually associated with other genetic diseases, such as Apert, Down or Crouzon Syndrome, for example.
The treatment is usually done for aesthetic reasons and consists of a surgery in which the orbits are shifted 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 late pregnancy, toxin ingestion, medication, alcohol, drugs or the occurrence of 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 still be associated with other craniofacial deformations, which depends on the syndrome or mutation that causes this problem.
However, despite these malformations, in most people, mental and psychological development is normal.
How is the treatment done?
Usually, the treatment consists of a corrective surgery that is performed only for aesthetic reasons and consists of:
- Place the two closest orbits;
- Correct the orbital displacement;
- Correct nose shape and position.
- Correct excesses of skin on the nose, nasal clefts or eyebrows that are out of place.
The recovery time depends on the technique of the surgery used and the extension of the deformations. This surgery is not recommended in children under the age of 5 years.
