One eye is less open than the other. The eyes became different sizes - one smaller than the other. Causes, treatment. Asymmetry of the eyes of newborns

It has long been known that the human face is asymmetrical and this is a natural phenomenon. But the eyes, as a rule, are the same size or the differences are so minimal that they will be almost imperceptible. If an adult or a child has one eye larger than the other and the difference is very pronounced, it is necessary to contact the clinic and identify what caused such a violation. Asymmetry can be congenital or acquired during life. The second option does not exclude the development of dangerous internal pathologies.

Possible reasons

A visual decrease or increase in the size of the eyeball is associated with internal processes occurring in the body. In most cases, in patients with this symptom, asymmetry is present from birth and is an anatomical feature. But if the size of the eye has changed recently, the sign may indicate the development of atrophy, retinal detachment, or inflammatory disease. Also, such a lesion often occurs after injury.

Neurological diseases

Asymmetry of the eyeballs, when one is set deep enough, and the second is more convex, often manifests itself as a symptom of a neurological disease and can be triggered by dysfunction of the innervation of the periorbital muscles. A similar complication occurs against the background of neuritis and neuropathy of the facial nerve. In this case, the patient may experience not only severe asymmetry, but also visual impairment and other ophthalmic disorders.

Injuries

Injuries can also provoke a change in the size of the eyeballs. As medical practice shows, it is post-traumatic deformity of the eyelids that is the most common cause of such disorders. In the absence of timely therapy, eye injuries often cause the development of dangerous complications, up to blindness. The risk of developing this undesirable consequence is especially high with a penetrating wound. Lesions of this type often lead to a reduction in the eyeball, further recession into the orbit and a change in the structure of the soft tissues. That is why in case of injury, it is necessary to immediately see a doctor. It is especially important to visit a doctor if, as a result of an injury, the integrity of the outer shell is violated and internal structures are affected.

Infectious diseases

Diseases of an inflammatory nature, such as barley, endophthalmitis and blepharitis, are always accompanied by severe edema in the periorbital region.

This symptom may make one eye feel larger than the other. It can be eliminated only with the help of a well-chosen treatment regimen (most often, patients are prescribed antibiotic therapy and taking anti-inflammatory drugs). Lack of treatment for infectious diseases can lead to the development of complications, which can only be eliminated through surgical intervention.

bulbar syndrome

Bulbar syndrome is a type of paralysis in which brain damage occurs. The disease can be accompanied not only by a change in the eyeballs, but also by speech and swallowing dysfunction. A change in the size of the eyes, as a rule, is observed at the initial stage, which is why it is important to immediately contact the clinic at the first doubtful symptoms. With bulbar syndrome, asymmetry of the eyes is often accompanied by dysfunction of the eyelid in the affected area (it simply stops closing). The presence of these signs indicates the formation of a neoplasm in the brain and the tumor process.

Asymmetry of the eyes of newborns

The first few days after birth, the baby's eyes seem to be slightly swollen, and the symptom may appear unevenly. This feature is completely natural and is associated with the underdevelopment of facial muscles. In the absence of anomalies, after a few weeks everything returns to normal. If the asymmetry does not go away for more than a year, this may be a sign of a congenital pathology and requires an immediate visit to the doctor. If one of the parents of the baby has such a deviation, this indicates a genetic defect that will remain for life. It will be possible to eliminate it only with the help of surgical intervention.

Features of the defect in children

As mentioned above, eye asymmetry in children is a natural phenomenon that does not always indicate a pathological process. When a baby has one eye larger than the other, this is not a cause for concern. If, after a physiological examination, the ophthalmologist confirmed that there are no reasons for concern, then the child is healthy. The asymmetry of the eyeballs will decrease with age and after a while it will become completely invisible.

But, despite the fact that such a symptom in 80% of cases is a consequence of weakness of the facial muscles, the possibility of a genetic disease, congenital malformations or birth injuries cannot be ruled out. With such disorders, the child, as a rule, also shows other symptoms of the pathology that provoked a change in the size of the eyes.

Which doctor to contact

When a patient has one eye larger than the other and the ailment is caused by an ophthalmic disease, an ophthalmologist should deal with the defect. If the symptom is caused by neurological, infectious diseases, oncology or injury, the patient needs to visit a neurologist, oncologist or traumatologist. When asymmetry appears in the baby's children, it is necessary to see a pediatrician. After identifying the general clinical picture and setting the proposed diagnosis, the physician will write a referral to doctors of a narrower specialization.

Dangerous symptoms

It is necessary to immediately contact the clinic if, in addition to an increase or decrease in the size of the eye, the patient has the following symptoms:

swelling of the periorbital tissues;
inflammatory process;
discharge of pus;
redness of proteins;
increased susceptibility to light;
nausea and occasional bouts of vomiting;
deterioration of visual function, nebula and vagueness;
disorientation in space.

It is also urgent to visit a doctor in case of violation of the integrity of the outer shell with piercing, cutting or hot objects. The risk of developing unwanted complications increases if the patient feels the presence of a foreign body in the eye.

Diagnostics

To select the appropriate method of treatment, it is necessary to identify what provoked the development of ocular asymmetry, as well as to evaluate the overall clinical picture. As a rule, with complaints of such symptoms, the patient is assigned a complete physiological examination and delivery of basic laboratory tests. If there is any doubt about the diagnosis, an MRI or CT scan of the brain may be prescribed.

When one eye is larger than the other, in most cases the diagnosis is made by an ophthalmologist or neurologist.

Correction methods

If one eye seems larger than the other and such a violation is not associated with the development of a serious disease, there are various ways to minimize the manifestation of this violation. The easiest and most affordable method is masking with skillfully made makeup. Selection of suitable arrows or shading and correction of the shape of the eyebrows will help to visually change the shape and shape of the palpebral fissures.

To achieve a more stable and pronounced effect, you can seek help from modern cosmetology. Beauty salons and cosmetology centers offer injections with various preparations that will correct the shape of the eye for 6-9 months, and at this time the patient will forget about the need to mask the defect. The most popular drugs to fix the problem are Dysport, Botox, Lantox.

Eye asymmetry treatment

If the defect is strongly pronounced, then it will not be possible to disguise it with the help of cosmetics and injections. In this case, the situation can be corrected only through plastic surgery. As a rule, asymmetry is removed by lowering, raising or shifting the skin of the eyelids, since the internal size of the human eyeballs is always the same. Such operations are performed not by ophthalmologists, but by plastic surgeons, so you need to turn to specialists in this area for help.

In most cases, a slight difference between the eyes is normal. But if the violation is very noticeable, the development of a serious pathology cannot be ruled out. If the asymmetry causes severe discomfort or is accompanied by other accompanying symptoms, you should contact the clinic and undergo a full examination.

Nature is an amazing mechanism that strives to constantly maintain balance and harmony throughout the world. Destructive elements are replaced by gently sloping natural phenomena. Looking closely at many natural phenomena and bodies, you will understand that the symmetry and geometric clarity of the line are not characteristic of nature. The situation is similar with the human body.

Why is one eye bigger than the other?

The answer to this question should be approached from a medical point of view. The fact is that eye diseases are accompanied by various symptoms, in particular, redness of the mucous membrane, a burning sensation or purulent discharge. Often a symptom is a visual change in the location of the eyes. With inflammation, you may have one eye higher than the other. It is very difficult to establish the disease, especially for an unskilled doctor, so it is better to resort to traditional methods of treatment. The most common eye disease is conjunctivitis. It can occur due to injury, exposure to a virus, or bacterial infection. Each cause requires its own individual medical approach. If one eye is larger than the other and the mucous membrane is not infected, then it is difficult for an ophthalmologist to diagnose the cause and type of the disease. In such cases, the patient needs the help of a neurologist.

Why do children have different eye sizes?

If this symptom is detected, parents should consult an ophthalmologist. If the doctor cannot diagnose the reason why one eye is larger than the other, then you should visit an orthopedic surgeon. Do not be surprised, since all organs are interconnected. With the development of scoliotic disease in a child, the spine will begin to curve, which can lead to a curvature of the neck. Improper development of the muscles and nerve endings of the neck violates the integrity of the facial muscles. If you notice that your child's pupils have changed in diameter, then you should consult a neurologist. These symptoms indicate that the baby may develop vascular pathology or failure in cerebral circulation. After the examination, the child will be assigned a procedure for measuring intraocular pressure and examining the fundus, which will be performed by an ophthalmologist.

Neurological diseases

If you or your loved one has one eye larger than the other and the following symptoms are present: difficulty in pronouncing words, paralysis of the facial muscles, then this is a serious reason to visit a neurologist. With such symptoms, a variety of diseases can appear: from circulatory disorders in the medulla oblongata to malignant sarcoma.

Inflammation of the facial nerve

If one eye is larger than the other and is accompanied by numerous edema, then this may indicate the development of inflammation of the facial nerve. The cause of the inflamed nerve may be purulent formations in the jaw or hypothermia. It should be remembered that in the treatment of neurological diseases, medical treatment should be followed, and not physiological. Otherwise, the facial deformity may persist on your face for a long time. In advanced cases, it will remain forever.

Asymmetry of the organs of vision is a phenomenon in which one eye has become smaller than the other. It can be congenital or acquired. There are a number of reasons that explain the asymmetry of the eyes.

Violation of the symmetry of the organs of vision is associated with infectious diseases, bulbar syndrome, as well as injuries.

bulbar syndrome

Bulbar syndrome is a pathology in which the functions of the cranial nerves, the nuclei of which are located in the medulla oblongata, are impaired. There is a disorder of the motor innervation of the muscles of the neck and head.

A change in the size of one of the eyes is associated with a violation of the innervation of the periocular muscles. The eyelid of the affected organ of vision stops closing.

Eye asymmetry is the first symptom indicating the development of bulbar syndrome.

Infectious diseases

Changes in the size of the organs of vision may be associated with infectious diseases. Asymmetry is provoked by such inflammatory diseases as conjunctivitis, barley,.

Another infectious disease that causes asymmetry is severe endophthalmitis, an infection of the internal structures of the organ of vision. If you ignore the symptoms, atrophy of the eyeball will occur, which is fraught with severe visual impairment. The change in size is associated with severe swelling of the eyelid skin.

Injuries

Even minor hematomas cause swelling, which changes the size of the eye. If the injury has the character of a penetrating wound, then the intraocular structures sink into the inner part of the orbit. The patient may lose his sight if he does not promptly seek help from a medical institution.

Eye asymmetry can also occur due to traumatic injuries such as thermal burns, foreign bodies, contact with hazardous chemicals, frostbite.

Change in eye size after conjunctivitis

Such a problem is encountered after suffering conjunctivitis, when the symptoms of the disease have already receded. This is due to such complications of an ophthalmic disease as:

dystrophic changes in the conjunctiva;
keratouveitis (inflammation that spreads to the choroid and cornea);
entropion (change in the structure of the eyelids).

A change in the size of one of the organs of vision after conjunctivitis may indicate the addition of bacterial microorganisms. Additional symptoms that are associated with this are itching, burning, pain, sticking of the eyes in the morning due to pus.

Asymmetric eyes that occur for no apparent reason

If one eye has become smaller than the other suddenly and for no apparent reason, then you need to urgently consult a doctor. This phenomenon may be associated with such serious violations as:

neuropathy of the facial nerve. Pathology is accompanied by strong muscle contractions, due to which facial features become not symmetrical, and the eyes seem different;
inflammation of the trigeminal nerve. The disease is expressed in convulsive reduction of the facial muscles. Severe convulsions lead to tightening of the skin, so the size of the eyes changes;
neoplasms of the brain. They affect intracranial pressure and cause damage to the facial muscles. Due to such changes, one eye seems to be half closed;
myasthenia. This is a neuralgic disease in which mimic muscles are distorted. One of the organs of vision becomes smaller due to convulsive muscle spasms.

Neurological diseases such as epilepsy, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease can also cause changes in the size of the eyes. They are accompanied by impaired muscle function, which weaken or become paralyzed. The eyelid falls lower or shifts to the side.

In children under the age of 3-4 years, there is not too pronounced asymmetry of the eyes. This is normal, as the facial muscles are in the formation stage. But even in this case, you need to contact an ophthalmologist to distinguish physiological from pathological asymmetry.

What to do when asymmetry is detected

If the size of one of the eyes has changed, first of all, you need to evaluate what additional symptoms are. This will help determine what caused the violation.

If a change in the size of the eye provoked neuropathy of the facial nerve, then there is a strong weakness in the area of \u200b\u200bmimic muscles on the affected part of the face, the frontal and nasolabial folds are smoothed out;
with bulbar syndrome, the patient has problems with speech, swallowing. The corners of the lips look drawn down;
in ophthalmic diseases of an infectious nature, redness, swelling, pus and profuse lacrimation are observed.

Self-diagnosis is not enough: in order to accurately determine the cause of the phenomenon, you need to seek help from a specialist.

Diagnostic measures

If eye asymmetry is detected, you need to contact an ophthalmologist. The specialist, after the initial examination, if necessary, refers the patient to a neurologist or vascular surgeon.

You may also need to consult a dentist, orthodontist, maxillofacial surgeon.

First, the doctor examines the patient's face to identify pathologies of nerve endings, teeth, facial muscles.

Ophthalmic pathologies are detected using the following measures:

ophthalmoscopy;
immunofluorescence reaction;
cultural research (sowing on nutrient media);
mycological research.

Using a special device, the specialist takes measurements to determine the degree of deviation in the size of the eyes. It is considered pathological if a difference of 3 mm or more and 5 degrees was detected.

If general diagnostic measures fail, a complete neurological examination, MRI of facial structures, and X-ray examination of the skull are performed.

Treatment

Treatment of such a phenomenon as asymmetry of the organs of vision depends on the cause that caused it.

Neurological pathologies

With bulbar paralysis, the disease is fought in a complex way. To normalize the work of the muscles, the drug Proserpine is prescribed. Additionally, special gymnastics is prescribed, which develops the muscles of the face. It is useful to imitate chewing food, sticking your tongue out of your mouth as much as possible, trying to pronounce the sound “g”, clamp your tongue between your teeth and try to swallow saliva.

With neuropathy of the facial nerve, to normalize muscle function, the patient is prescribed corticosteroids (Pridnisolone). To eliminate nerve edema, vasoactive drugs (Cavinton) are recommended.

They also do physiotherapy. With neuropathy, acupuncture, magnetotherapy, radon baths, massage and therapeutic exercises for muscles are useful.

Infectious ophthalmic diseases

Treatment depends on the type of infection that has affected the organs of vision:

antiviral drops (Poludan, Oftalmoferon);
antifungal agents for external use (ointments Nystatin, Miconazole), systemic drugs (Fluconazole);
antibacterial drops (Tobrex, Oftakviks).

To enhance the therapeutic effect, the patient is prescribed vitamin C and a vitamin complex with zinc.

To wash the eyes, you can use a decoction of medicinal chamomile, eyebright. Before use, you should consult with your doctor.

Injuries

If the size of the eyes has changed due to the injury, then first the specialist eliminates the source of damage, if necessary, applies a tight bandage. To reduce the risk of bacterial infection, antibiotic drops Albucid or Levomycetin are used.

The patient is prescribed special drops and gels that restore the structure of the mucous membrane of the organs of vision, have a healing and regenerative effect, start the process of supplying minerals and oxygen to the tissues of the eye. For injuries, the following remedies are recommended:

Korneregel;
hyphen;
Balarpan-N.

After the cause is eliminated, the size of the eye should return to normal. If this does not happen, the option of cosmetic correction of the defect is considered.

Features of deviation in children: possible causes, diagnosis, treatment

In infants, there is often a noticeable difference in size between the eyes. Within a few hours after birth in infants, this difference becomes less pronounced, that is, such a phenomenon can be called physiological. But there are a number of pathological causes that cause asymmetry of the organs of vision.

These include:

birth injury. There is a deformation of the structures of the child's head, which affects the functionality of the facial bones and muscles;
damage to the facial nerve during childbirth;
congenital pathologies of the skull bones due to microelement deficiency during fetal development;
disorders of the nervous system, which cause increased facial muscle tone;
ptosis is a disease in which there is a weighting of one eyelid.

To determine the cause, the specialist conducts diagnostic procedures, reveals the degree of deviation.

If the asymmetry of the eyes is of a physiological nature, then it is recommended to massage the facial muscles from the first days of the child's life: this will speed up the return of the same size. Also, massage procedures allow you to cope with the consequences of birth injuries, pinched facial nerves. They are also useful for increased tone of the facial muscles.

If surgical treatment is required, then the operation is performed at the age of 4-5 years: this is the most optimal period, since the eyelid tissue is already formed. This will help to avoid postoperative cosmetic defects.

Eye size difference correction

You can hide the asymmetry of the eyes with the help of skillfully applied makeup or cosmetic methods.

Cosmetic correction

You can solve the problem of eye asymmetry with the help of makeup.

If one eye is wider than the second, it is recommended to draw an arrow on a narrower one with a thicker line. Makeup artists point out that false eyelashes do a good job with asymmetry. You will need sets with a short and medium length. On the eye, the size of which differs from the healthy one, glue eyelashes of medium length, and on the second - short.

With such a problem as an impending eyelid, you need to follow these recommendations:

avoid clear lines. Arrows after application are recommended to be slightly shaded with shadows;
draw the fold of the impending eyelid at the same level as the second eye;
it is good to paint over the eyelashes with high-quality mascara and twist them: this technique will make the eyes more open and hide the overhanging eyelid;
draw an eyebrow above the eye with an overhanging eyelid a little higher than the second: this will help to slightly lift the eyelid.

Ideal makeup for asymmetrical eyes:

apply shadows of a dark shade to the outer corners of the eyes, blend them up, under the eyebrows, going beyond the corner;
from the middle of the upper eyelid, draw a thin line with a pencil, expand at the end;
tint only the upper lashes. If you do this with the lower ones, then this will “extinguish” the look;
under the eyebrows put shadows of a light shade.

If you have any doubts about the correctness of makeup for asymmetrical eyes, you should consult with an experienced makeup artist-cosmetologist.

Watch a video about correcting eye asymmetry with makeup:

Cosmetic methods

You can cope with the problem of different eyes without surgery, using cosmetic methods.

The main ways to correct the asymmetry of the organs of vision:

myostimulation. This is a massage procedure for the facial muscles, which is carried out using special devices. They send signals to the nerves, thanks to which the muscles begin to work more efficiently and synchronously;
contour plastic. The essence of the method is the introduction of special agents under the skin, which give the surface the necessary shape. The drugs used in contouring are called fillers. They often contain hyaluronic acid. This substance is safe for the skin and injures its layers to a lesser extent. In some cases, fillers with Botox are injected under the skin: this substance makes certain parts of the face immune to nerve impulses and remain motionless;
gymnastics, or face-building. Special firming exercises help to improve skin elasticity and correct existing flaws. In general, facebuilding smooths out the asymmetry of the eyes, making it less noticeable.

The most radical method that the patient decides on, if cosmetic methods have not helped, is surgical plastic surgery. Surgery to reshape the eyelids and eyes is called blepharoplasty.

The human eyeball should normally be symmetrical. The eyelids are evenly spaced over the sclera.

If a disproportion is formed, this indicates structural anomalies or acquired diseases.

To differentiate the pathology, consult a doctor, undergo diagnostic tests, treatment. Self-therapy can lead to irreparable complications for the body.

Existing There are many reasons why eye disproportion is formed.. Some of them are harmless, others are a sign of a disease that requires treatment. If the condition is caused by a physiological factor, therapy is not needed, gradually the human organs of vision will return to normal.

Anomalies of development

This condition may be the result of a genetic factor, that is, the transmission of the structure of the eyeballs by inheritance from parents to children.. Another reason may be a deviation in embryonic development due to the penetration of viruses and infections through the placenta.

infections

Initially, the infection, falling on the organs of vision, is concentrated in the area of the conjunctival sac. If left untreated, the bacterium spreads to deeper tissues. If such a phenomenon is formed only in one eye, it gradually increases, the other remains normal.

Neuralgia

Pathology is formed as a result of hypothermia, an infectious and viral process in the nervous tissue. It becomes inflamed, which causes changes in the tissues that are innervated. If the inflammatory process spreads over a large area, the changes affect not only the eyes, but also the surrounding tissues.

Vascular pathologies

The cause may be obstruction of the blood supply to the eye, resulting in tissue atrophy. If the nervous tissues of the brain are involved in the process, there are signs of neuralgia, impaired reflexes.

Mechanical damage

These can be injuries, bruises, fractures of surrounding bones, hematoma. Also, the pathology develops as a result of improper use of contact lenses, when the model begins to rub on the eye area, it leads to its increase and inflammation.

Allergy

In patients who have seasonal allergies, an exacerbation occurs without treatment. The tissues located around the eyes begin to swell, as a result of which they increase. The other eye may retain its shape if the allergen has not spread to it. A person with such a pathology feels acute pain, itching, burning, irritation. He cannot open or close his eyes.

Eye asymmetry in children

If pathological symptoms occur in a child, the causes do not differ from the conditions of an adult. The most common damaging factors are:

inflammatory state of the kidneys, in which the release of certain substances is disturbed, they accumulate in tissues and organs, causing diseases;
mechanical damage in the form of bruises, blows, bone fractures, hematomas;
infectious-inflammatory distance;
brain disease, inflammation of the nervous tissue.

If an increase in one eye occurs in a child, in all cases it is recommended to consult a doctor. If the disease is detected in early childhood, this increases the possibility of a positive prognosis during treatment.

It is especially important to consider this condition if the following factors have arisen:

an increase in the eye against the background of the normal well-being of the child;
additional symptoms, manifested in the form of pain, itching, inflammation, swelling, burning;
profuse inflamed tissue.

Self-medication of a child can lead to complications that will be difficult to correct, and the possibility of chronic diseases increases.

Asymmetry of the eyes of newborns

Most often, changes in the size of the eyes appear in newborns.. In this case, it is recommended to consult a pediatrician or a doctor of a narrower profile. For example, to the neurologist.

Dr. Komarovsky about eye asymmetry in children

Dr. Komarovsky gives the reasons why there are different eye sizes in newborns. It is also possible the formation of other factors that appear with a complete diagnosis:

congenital edema. Different eye sizes are a normal condition that manifests itself immediately after the birth of a child. In this case, there is a normal state of one eye, an increase or decrease in the other. This condition resolves on its own and does not require treatment.
Heredity. If parents have different eye sizes throughout their lives, this can be inherited to the child.
Birth trauma. As a result of childbirth, a child may experience trauma, leading to damage to the neck and shoulder girdle. Nerve tissue can be involved in this process, resulting in different eye sizes in children.
Torticollis. As a result of the disease, the nutrition of the muscles of the neck and shoulder girdle through the vessels is disrupted. They are atrophied. Therefore, the patient has a different location of the left and right half of the body.

Diagnostic tests are needed to identify the cause.

Diagnostics

To diagnose the patient's condition, they turn to an ophthalmologist or neurologist. He carries out several techniques, thanks to which they reveal the cause:

Collection of anamnesis. This is data obtained from the words of the patient or his close relatives. Based on them, the doctor assumes a diagnosis and prescribes further examination.
General inspection. The doctor reveals the quality of the skin and mucous membranes, the symmetry of the right and left sides of the body. Different eyes are detected immediately, they can be seen with the naked eye.
eye ultrasound. Using the technique, the doctor reveals the internal structure of each eyeball.
MRI, CT. The most important research It layer-by-layer determines the structure of the eye and the brain. The state of the nervous tissue, blood vessels, brain, eyeballs is detected.

Based on the data obtained after diagnostic tests, a reliable diagnosis is made. If treatment is needed, it is prescribed immediately.

Treatment

The following methods are used to treat the patient's condition:

antiviral, antibacterial therapy;
anti-inflammatory drugs;
physiotherapy, massage of the neck and shoulder girdle;
complex treatment of inflammatory diseases of the kidneys, diuretics;
antihistamines;
elimination of injuries, bruises, bleeding;
surgical operations.

Each patient has their own method of therapy. If the condition is caused by a physiological cause, it is not carried out.

Cosmetic defect correction

If the difference in the eyes is caused by a physiological factor, therapeutic measures are not required.. But most patients want to hide this defect. To do this, use a corrective foundation.

A dark remedy is applied to the area of \u200b\u200bthe eye, which is enlarged. A light foundation is used for the other eye, which appears smaller. So, thanks to the play of shadows, the defect is less visible.

It has long been noted and proven by research that the human body, like his face, is not symmetrical. Such a phenomenon is considered completely normal if the difference between the organs of the right half and the left remains within the normal range, is not striking and does not affect the functions of the body. But sometimes parents notice that a child has much one eye larger than the other. At the same time, a different cut of the eyes in the baby becomes more noticeable when the child is tired, sick or naughty. Why one eye has become smaller or larger than the other, is this a cosmetic defect or a symptom of a dangerous pathology, and how can this be corrected - below.

This is interesting: in all people, without exception, the face, and in particular the eyes, are asymmetrical. To verify this, you can conduct a simple test. Take a photo taken from the front, cut it into halves exactly in the center. Then attach a mirror to each of the halves. You will get two different faces.

How to explain the phenomenon

Why one eye is larger than the other, an ophthalmologist or neuropathologist can explain. It is these specialists who deal with similar issues and can tell you what to do if the eyes are very noticeably different in size and shape. In an adult, the eyes become different most often due to atrophy of the eyeball. The following pathologies and factors can lead to atrophy:

penetrating injuries of the organs of vision;
complete retinal detachment;
severe inflammatory processes;
a significant decrease in intraocular pressure;
incorrect use of topical ophthalmic drugs against glaucoma - in case of overdose, drugs provoke atrophic processes in the tissues of the subcutaneous tissue surrounding the eye and it sinks. Such organs of vision look frightening, especially in children.

To figure out how to fix the defect and whether it is necessary, we will consider each of the reasons for its occurrence in more detail.

Important: if the difference between the two eyes was noted constantly and it is not striking, there is no reason for concern. If the eye has suddenly become smaller and it is very noticeable, you should contact a specialist as soon as possible.

Glaucoma, eye trauma, severe inflammatory processes - all these factors can cause a change in the normal size of the eye.

Injuries of the organs of vision

Optionally, damage to the ocular structures will result in a change in the size and shape of the eye. This occurs if there is severe swelling of the eye or deformation of the eyelid. Visually it seems that one eye is open wider than the other. But the real size of the eyeball remains unchanged, as does the quality of vision (if the cornea and lens or other elements of the organ of vision were not affected). Therefore, such a phenomenon is not considered dangerous, usually after the wound has healed, the size and shape of the eye are restored on their own, without complications and consequences.

But a superficial eye injury is one thing, and penetrating wounds are another. If, with such an injury, deep-lying eye structures responsible for the perception, processing and transmission of visual impulses to the brain were affected, then a deep injury can lead to the development of endophthalmitis, atrophy of the eyeball and complete or partial blindness. Visually, the eye becomes noticeably smaller, it sinks inward, and is very soft on palpation.

If it's all about an infectious disease of the eyes, then, in addition to reducing the size, symptoms such as itching, burning, a feeling of "sand" in the eyes, and redness of the mucous membrane will disturb

Ophthalmic infections

Meibomitis, blepharitis, conjunctivitis, stye, chalazion and other eye infections are often accompanied by severe swelling of the eyelids, which can cause the eyes to become of different sizes. Usually, such a symptom is temporary, if the treatment is carried out correctly, as the recovery progresses, the size of the organs of vision returns to normal. Properly selected topical antibacterial drugs will help speed up the process; in severe cases, with sealing of the eyelid and severe deformity, a surgical operation is performed to open the abscess.

It is more difficult to correct the defect if the infection has penetrated into the internal structures of the organs of vision. In this case, endophthalmitis develops, leading, as mentioned above, to a real decrease in the size of the eyeball and deterioration of vision.

bulbar syndrome

This pathology, as the cause of different eye sizes, belongs to neurology, not ophthalmology. Bulbar paralysis leads to such phenomena:

violation of the closure of the eyelids in a patient: the eye opens normally, but cannot close completely;
speech distortion;
inability to fully eat - the patient is constantly choking and choking.

Bulbar syndrome is not a disease as such, but only a pathological condition, a symptom that accompanies neurological diseases. It can be observed with a stroke of the medulla oblongata, as well as with such diagnoses:

syringobulbia;
Lyme disease;
oncological diseases in which the tumor is localized near the medulla oblongata.

Traumatic brain injuries are also often complicated by bulbar palsy.

Bulbar palsy, as one of the manifestations of neurological pathologies, is also accompanied by a distortion of eye symmetry.

Other neurological pathologies

Inflammation of the facial nerve (neuritis and neuropathy) most often leads to a change in the shape and size of the eye, the eyelid can be half closed or rise above the other. The development of such a symptom is due to impaired innervation of the periocular nerves and muscle tissues. In such cases, it is important to treat the pathology in a timely and adequate manner. If you make a mistake, the altered shape of the eye can remain for life, accompanied by a nervous tic of the eye and deformation of the entire face.

Uneven eyes in a child - the causes of the defect

Many parents notice the asymmetry of the eye in a newborn baby and turn to doctors with great anxiety. But there is no need to worry too soon. A different eye size in an infant can be caused by natural postpartum edema or an uneven distribution of subcutaneous tissue on the face. As the child grows and develops, the puffiness will go away on its own and the eyes will become the same size. This happens around the age of six months.

Eye asymmetry in a newborn is usually a temporary, physiological symptom that does not require treatment.

But there are times when the difference in the size of the children's eyes is a symptom of serious disorders in the development of the baby - in this case, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. If the size of the eyes did not equal by 6 months of age, or at an earlier age, in addition to this defect, other suspicious symptoms were found in the crumbs, the reasons may be as follows:

birth injuries of the head, in particular, the area of the face and organs of vision;
neurological disorders;
congenital anomalies in development;
genetic pathologies.

There is such a pathology of newborns as torticollis. It can develop even in the womb, if the child lies incorrectly, with oligohydramnios or polyhydramnios, injuries of the pregnant woman. And it can be acquired in severe, traumatic childbirth. With torticollis, atrophy of the muscles of the face and neck occurs, as a result of which part of the face seems to “slide” to one side, while one eye becomes smaller than the other.

Do not exclude infectious diseases of the eye of infants or older children. In this case, as in an adult, the size and shape of the eyeball actually remain unchanged. But the eyes seem to be uneven due to swelling of the eyelid and retraction of the eyeball.

For information: in children, less often in adults, the size of the eyes can change with allergic reactions to flowering plants, dust, pet hair, food or drugs. In this case, the palpebral fissure can be completely closed due to severe swelling, the eye waters, turns red.

Who to contact

Inspection and diagnosis with a similar symptom, depending on its severity and the presence of other atypical phenomena, is usually carried out:

pediatrician or family doctor;
ophthalmologist;
neuropathologist.

If the eye is injured or there is a suspicion of tumor development, then the patient is referred additionally to a traumatologist or oncologist, an infectious disease specialist can be connected if necessary.

To make an accurate diagnosis to determine the causes of changes in the size of the eye, classical ophthalmoscopy will not be enough.

For an accurate diagnosis, the following procedures will be required:

visual examination by an ophthalmologist;
questioning the patient or persons accompanying him;
performing ultrasound, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging;
laboratory clinical blood and urine tests;
a biochemical blood test and a study on tumor markers, if necessary.

Based on the results of all tests and studies, the doctor will make a diagnosis and determine the optimal treatment regimen, if necessary.

Methods of treatment and correction

If the difference in eye size is a manifestation of any pathology, treatment is prescribed depending on the diagnosis. Antibacterial drugs can be used for infections, anti-inflammatory and decongestant for injuries and injuries, drugs that eliminate muscle spasm in various neuralgia. Sometimes you can not do without surgical intervention: for example, if the sunken eye or non-closing eyelid is caused by congenital anomalies in the development of eye structures.

Properly applied makeup will help hide defects in appearance of non-pathological origin.

If the unequal size of the eyes is a cosmetic defect, not associated with any disorders in the human body, then the following correction methods can be used:

Botox injections or other drugs of a similar effect. Injections are made in a medical center or beauty parlor, the substance is injected under local anesthesia into the circular muscle of the eye. As a result, the defective eyelid tightens or relaxes and the size of the eyes evens out. The effect lasts from six months to several years.
Blepharoplasty. This is an operation from the field of plastic surgery, the doctor carefully examines the patient's organs of vision and their structures, determines where the defect lies, and then eliminates it by excision of skin and muscle tissues or tightening. In some cases, on the contrary, implantation of the implant is required. The operation has a number of contraindications, requires long-term rehabilitation, and can lead to unexpected and irreversible consequences if important nerve endings are affected during the operation.
Correction with decorative cosmetics. Modern girls are well aware of how eyeliner, mascara and shadows can be used to correct such appearance defects as an overhanging eyelid or an asymmetrical arrangement of the eyes. Competent makeup will help lengthen the eyelids, “open” the eyes, make the look clear and expressive. In extreme cases, you can contact a professional cosmetologist and take a few master classes.

Summary: if you make accurate measurements, it turns out that for each person the size of the eyes is not the same and they are located asymmetrically on the face. Such a deviation is considered natural and is not a pathology. But if the difference is too noticeable, while the eye cannot fully open or close, there are visual impairments or other atypical symptoms, you should definitely consult a doctor. The reason may lie in serious diseases from ophthalmology or neurology, requiring long-term treatment. In young children, such a symptom in some cases indicates congenital malformations or is a consequence of birth trauma. The defect is corrected with the help of medications, surgery or cosmetic procedures.