Canthus

The canthus is the area surrounding the junction of the upper and lower eyelids. Towards the nose, this junction is known as the medical canthus, while towards the temple, it is known as the lateral canthus.

The lateral canthus is an especially important area in cosmetic blepharoplasty eyelid surgery. Below the skin sit the canthal tendon and lateral retinaculum, both important support structures for the lower eyelid that must sometimes be reinforced during lower blepharoplasty.

Canthopexy (a tightening) and canthoplasty (a reconstruction) are operations performed at the lateral canthus.