Hypertelorism: Hope and Help
At the International Craniofacial institute we see many children with hypertelorism. Hypertelorism involves having wide-set eyes alone or as part of a congenital syndrome that includes other facial abnormalities besides hypertelorism. While hypertelorism is often diagnosed at birth, it can be diagnosed as the baby grows. A growing baby will often show worsening of the hypertelorism to the point where the child needs orbital reconstruction to correct the problem.
Drs. Kenneth Salyer and David Genecov will see you and your child in consultation regarding hypertelorism and orbital reconstruction. They will also talk to you about other problems the child has besides the hypertelorism. A decision will be made as to when to perform the orbital reconstruction as well as what degree of hypertelorism is tolerable for the child. Your doctor will explain to you how the hypertelorism worsens with age as the child's midface grows, separating the eyes over time. Hypertelorism isn't dangerous; however, it is often part of a congenitally unacceptable facial appearance and can affect binocular vision. Orbital reconstruction is the only really acceptable treatment for the condition of hypertelorism.
The Benefits of Orbital Reconstruction
Orbital reconstruction is often done when the child has grown to the age of three to five years. In deciding to undergo orbital reconstruction, the degree of hypertelorism, the overall health and the vision of the child must be taken into account. If it seems that orbital reconstruction is necessary, your doctor will show you how it is done and explain what can be achieved after the orbital reconstruction is over. Your child will have X-rays taken and will have a preoperative examination. If possible, the orbital reconstruction procedure will be explained to the child in as simple terms as possible.
The day of the orbital construction can feel like a whirlwind experience. Your child may be having more facial work done than just for the hypertelorism. During surgery, the facial bones, including the nasal bones are reshaped and some bone is removed so that the eyes are closer together. Any related abnormalities can be corrected at the same time.
A child born with hypertelorism often undergoes more than one orbital reconstruction over time. Even when the hypertelorism is fixed the first time, the problem often persists as the child's face grows so that orbital reconstruction is needed again. When the child has completely grown, the hypertelorism is generally completely corrected and no further orbital reconstruction is necessary.