Have you ever thought about your eyelids when you look in the mirror? Some people have a distinct crease or fold on their upper eyelid. But for others, especially those from Asian countries like us, the upper eyelid is smooth and without any creases from the side of the nose to the side of the eyebrow. Today we are going to talk about this type of eyelid that many people call 'Monolid', and is medically called `(Epicanthal Folds)`.
What are these 'Monolid' eyes?
Simply put, a 'Monolid' is a shape of the eyelid. If you have eyes like this, the skin on your upper eyelid is smooth from the inner corner of the eye, which is towards the nose, all the way to the eyebrow. This means that the fold that many people have is not visible in these eyes. The fold of this skin covers the inner corner of the eye to some extent.
This feature can sometimes make the eyes appear a little smaller. This is because the opening between the upper and lower eyelids is slightly smaller than in eyes with a slanted shape.
But this is not something to worry about. This is very common, normal. It is especially common among people of Asian descent. It can also be seen as a symptom of some genetic conditions.
What is the difference between 'Monolid' and 'Double Lid' eyes?
This is very simple. If you have a 'Double Lid', there is a clearly visible arc-shaped fold or crease between your eyelid and your eyelid. This fold is not visible in 'Monolid' eyes.
But here's something that many people get confused about. 'Monolid' eyes are not a condition called Ptosis. `(Ptosis)` is a medical condition in which the eyelid droops downward. This can interfere with your vision and can even be a cosmetic problem, as it usually only affects one eye. `(Ptosis)` can sometimes be corrected with surgery. However, Monolid is a completely normal, healthy feature.
What are the main causes of monolid eyes?
The main reason for this is genetics. That is, it is something that is inherited. Only 50% of people of Asian descent have this trait. Moreover, even in non-Asian babies, this trait can be seen before the bridge of the nose has fully developed.
However, it can also be seen as an external sign of certain genetic and congenital conditions. This symptom can also be seen in children with ``Fetal alcohol syndrome``, a condition caused by the mother drinking alcohol during pregnancy.
In addition, the table below lists some of the main genetic conditions that show `(Monolid)` as an eye trait.
| Genetic Condition | A brief introduction |
|---|---|
| Down syndrome | It is caused by being born with an extra chromosome. It can cause special physical characteristics and developmental delays. |
| Turner syndrome | Only affects girls. Caused by a missing X chromosome. May cause growth retardation and developmental delays. |
| Phenylketonuria (PKU) | It is caused by a buildup of the amino acid phenylalanine in the blood. This can damage the brain. |
| Williams syndrome | Caused by being born without part of chromosome 7. Causes distinctive facial features and learning problems. |
| Noonan syndrome | Caused by specific gene mutations, it can cause specific facial features and heart disease. |
| Blepharophimosis syndrome | Eyelid growth causes several problems. These include a small eye opening and drooping eyelids. |
Does this require treatment? Can the appearance be changed?
The first thing to say is that this is a normal, harmless condition that does not require any medical treatment. It is a part of your identity. However, if someone wants to change the appearance of their eyes based on their personal preferences, there are several options for that.
- Makeup: Nowadays, you can learn how to create a natural-looking crease using makeup, even by watching videos online. You can make your eyes stand out with things like bright colored eyeshadows.
- Adhesives: Specially formulated pastes or tapes can be used to temporarily create a crease in the eyelid. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before using anything like this to make sure they are safe for your skin.
- Plastic Surgery: If you want to permanently change the appearance of your eyelids, surgery is an option. This is a type of surgery that is commonly performed in Asian countries.
What are the ways that surgery can change things?
These are not medically necessary surgeries, but there are two types of surgeries that are performed with the aim of changing appearance.
| Name of Surgery | What is happening? |
|---|---|
| Blepharoplasty | This is an eyelid surgery. This can permanently change a 'Monolid' eye into a 'Double Lid'. The surgeon creates a crease in the eyelid. He or she may also remove excess skin or fat to maintain that crease permanently. |
| Epicanthoplasty | This surgery can lengthen the inner corner of the eye and make the eyes appear larger. The surgeon extends the inner corner of the eye towards the nose. |
If my baby has this symptom, should I see a doctor?
As a parent, it's only natural for you to have this question.
- If your baby is of Asian descent , epicanthal folds are very common and nothing to worry about.
- However, if your baby is not of Asian descent and you notice this symptom, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor about it. Usually, the doctor will look into this symptom during your baby's first checkup.
If you talk to a doctor about this, they will examine the baby to see if there are any signs of other genetic conditions, such as Down syndrome. They will also likely ask about your family's medical history, especially about genetic diseases, intellectual disabilities, or birth defects.
Take-Home Message
- 'Monolid' eyes (Epicanthal folds) are not a disease. They are a common physical feature, especially among Asians.
- This is completely different from 'Ptosis', a medical condition in which the eyelid droops downward.
- Although it is often due to genetic causes, if this characteristic is seen in a non-Asian child, it is likely to be a sign of a genetic condition.
- If you have any doubts or concerns about yourself or your baby, never hesitate to talk to your doctor about it.
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