Orbital hypertelorism is characterized by having wide set eyes, which occurs when there’s a larger amount of space between the eye sockets than would normally develop. This also leads to the development of additional bone tissue within the space.
In many cases, wide set eyes cause no health effects and don’t significantly impact a child’s life. When health problems do occur, doctors may recommend surgery to treat the issue.
When making a diagnosis, doctors typically consider two metrics:
It’s possible to detect the presence of orbital hypertelorism during an ultrasound. In other instances, a doctor may diagnose the condition after birth.
Orbital hypertelorism typically occurs for one of two reasons:
In some children, a genetic disorder can impact the development of the skull and cause malformations. Wide-set eyes are often a factor with Apert syndrome, which is a genetic condition that also impacts the development of bones within a child’s hands and feet. Other genetic disorders associated with orbital hypertelorism include diastrophic dysplasia and Noonan syndrome.
Genetic factors also play a role in the occurrence of birth defects, which are abnormalities present from birth that can affect a child’s appearance and/or function. Some birth defects have no known cause, while others may result from infections. In some cases, birth effects occur due to drug or alcohol use during pregnancy.
Severe cases of orbital hypertelorism can be treated with surgery, which can improve appearance and mitigate any health effects that are occurring. Surgery usually takes place between the ages of five and seven and can include one of the following procedures:
Many children who experience orbital hypertelorism go on to lead happy, healthy lives. Along with addressing any health effects, surgical procedures can also improve a child’s self-esteem and self-image.