Cantholysis is spelled as /kænˈθɒlɪsɪs/. This medical term refers to the surgical separation or destruction of the canthus, which is the corner of the eye where the upper and lower eyelids meet. The word cantholysis is derived from Greek roots: "kanthos" meaning corner and "lysis" meaning loosening or separation. The complex spelling of cantholysis highlights the importance of phonetic transcription in accurately communicating medical terminology. This term is typically used by ophthalmologists when discussing surgical techniques for treating certain eye conditions.
Cantholysis is a medical term referring to the surgical procedure of releasing or cutting the canthal tendon. The canthal tendons are fibrous bands located at the inner and outer corners of the eye, attaching the eyelids to the bony structures of the eye socket. Cantholysis involves severing these tendons to allow for the easy and proper manipulation of the eyelid during certain oculoplastic procedures.
Typically carried out under local anesthesia, cantholysis is commonly used during surgeries such as lower eyelid blepharoplasty, canthoplasty, or canthotomy. By detaching the canthal tendon, surgeons can achieve better access to the underlying tissues, making it easier to tighten, reposition, or excise excess eyelid skin, muscle, or fat deposits.
The procedure involves carefully making incisions at or near the canthal tendon, followed by the detachment of the tendon from its attachment point. Care must be taken to ensure minimal damage to the surrounding tissues and to maintain the correct tension and alignment of the eyelid during the surgery. Once the desired oculoplastic procedure is completed, the canthal tendon is typically reattached using sutures to restore the eyelid's natural shape and position.
Cantholysis is an integral part of various oculoplastic surgeries and is performed by trained ophthalmologists or oculoplastic surgeons to improve aesthetics, correct functional abnormalities, or address medical conditions affecting the eyelids and surrounding areas.
Incision of the canthus to widen the slit between the lids, canthoplasty (1).
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "cantholysis" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "cantho" and "lysis".
The root "cantho" (κανθoς) refers to the corner of the eye or the angle between the eyelids, specifically the outer canthus or the lateral corner.
The root "lysis" (λύσις) means dissolution or separation. It is commonly used in scientific and medical terminology to indicate the breaking or loosening of a part of the body.
Therefore, "cantholysis" can be understood as the dissolution or separation of the canthus or the corner of the eye, often referring to a surgical procedure that involves the division or release of the outer canthus to treat certain eye conditions.