Will Intercanthal Distance Be Decreased by Medial Wall Fracture?

Q: Dr. Eppley,I read your statement: “One approach is medial wall infracture with lateral orbital wall implant to push the eye inward a few millimeters.” I was wondering whether moving only the eyeballs inward could also reduce the distance between the medial canthi by a small amount. My concern is that my pupils are already positioned somewhat toward the nasal side, and if the eyeballs are moved further inward while the medial canthi do not move at all, I worry that it could create an appearance similar to esotropia (crossed eyes).

In this situation, could the intercanthal distance decrease by even 1–2 mm?

A:Most likely it would not.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Plastic Surgeon