Intercanthal distance: the measurement between the eye corners
Quick facts
- Definition
- Horizontal distance between the inner (medial) corners of the two eyes.
- Classic reference
- Usually compared with the width of the base of the nose and the width of one eye.
- When it increases
- Hypertelorism, telecanthus, or normal variation in shape.
- When it decreases
- Eyes set closer together, also part of natural variation.
- Use in facial harmonization
- Reading the proportions of the midface and the nose, in clinical assessment.
Intercanthal distance is the horizontal measurement between the inner (medial) corners of the two eyes. It enters the analysis of facial proportions and, together with the rule of fifths, helps describe the width of the midface and the relationship of the eyes to the nose.
How does it relate to the nose?
In the classic reading of facial anthropometry, the space between the inner corners tends to be close in width to one eye (the palpebral fissure) and to the base of the nose, the alar width. When the base of the nose looks wide or narrow, comparing it with the intercanthal distance helps tell whether the issue is the nose, the space between the eyes, or just perception.
This relationship is an analysis reference. Real faces vary, and proportions that "differ from the classic" are often part of the patient's identity.
How is the measurement read?
| Measurement | Between which points | What it is for |
|---|---|---|
| Intercanthal | Inner corners of the eyes | Reading the space between the eyes and the upper nasal dorsum |
| Palpebral fissure | Inner to outer corner of one eye | Comparing with the space between the eyes |
| Interpupillary | Center of one pupil to the other | Symmetry and horizontal alignment |
Why does it matter in facial harmonization?
Anyone working on the upper nasal dorsum, the glabella, or the medial region of the eye changes the perception of the space between the eyes without changing the measurement itself. Understanding the natural intercanthal distance avoids creating an imbalance the patient did not ask for. Areas such as the nose and the periorbital region are vascularly sensitive and call for conservative planning.
In Harmy
The app does not measure facial distances: it detects the face on the device and shows marking points. Reading proportions remains part of the professional's assessment.
Also called: distance between the medial canthi.
Frequently asked questions
What is the relationship between intercanthal distance and nose width?
In the classic reading of proportions, the distance between the inner corners tends to be similar to the width of the base of the nose. It is an analysis reference, not a goal to be forced.
Is intercanthal distance the same as interpupillary distance?
No. Intercanthal runs from one inner corner to the other; interpupillary runs from the center of one pupil to the center of the other and is considerably larger.