Associated Conditions & Findings
Telecanthus
Telecanthus is an increased distance between the inner corners of the eyes, while the eye sockets themselves may be normally spaced.
In short: Telecanthus
- It differs from hypertelorism, which involves the eye sockets.
- It can be seen with anterior encephaloceles.
- It refers to the inner eye corners.
- It can be addressed in reconstruction.
What it is
It is an increased distance between the inner corners of the eyes (the inner canthi), even when the bony eye sockets are normally spaced. It is distinct from hypertelorism, which involves the sockets themselves.
Understanding Telecanthus
It can be seen with anterior encephaloceles and is sometimes addressed during craniofacial reconstruction. Distinguishing telecanthus from hypertelorism matters because they involve different aspects of eye spacing — the inner corners versus the sockets — and reconstruction addresses them accordingly.
Why it matters
Understanding telecanthus helps families see the distinction between the inner eye corners and the eye sockets, and why reconstruction considers the precise nature of any eye-spacing difference.
Common questions
How is telecanthus different from hypertelorism?
Telecanthus involves the inner eye corners; hypertelorism involves the eye sockets.
Which encephaloceles is it seen with?
Anterior types.
Can it be addressed?
Yes, in reconstruction.
Bottom line
Telecanthus is increased spacing of the inner eye corners, distinct from hypertelorism, and can accompany anterior encephaloceles.
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