Summary
The eye canthal tilt refers to the angle formed between the inner (medial) and outer (lateral) corners of the eyes. A study by Codner et al. (2008) categorised this tilt as positive when the lateral canthus is above the medial canthus, neutral when they are at the same level, and negative when the lateral canthus is lower. Research by Penčić et al. (2019) highlighted that in males, an ideal canthal tilt is neutral or slightly positive, as it enhances perceptions of youthfulness and facial balance. Conversely, a negative canthal tilt, where the lateral canthus is positioned lower, is often linked with signs of aging and less favourable aesthetic outcomes. Understanding the role of canthal tilt in facial harmony is crucial in aesthetics and contributes to discussions about male attractiveness.
Research
The eye canthal tilt is the angle between the internal corner of the eyes (i.e., medial canthus) and the external corner of the eyes (i.e., lateral canthus).
According to the study by Codner et al. (2008), canthal tilt was considered positive when the lateral canthus was superior to the level of the medial canthus, neutral when it was located at the same level, and negative when it was inferior.
A conference paper submitted in Robotics Design, Dynamics, and Control titled “Robotic Eyes with 7 DOFs: Structural Design and Motion Simulation” by Penčić et al. (2019) suggested that for males, an ideal canthal tilt is one that is either neutral or slightly positive. This positioning creates a perception of a youthful and balanced facial structure. On the other hand, the study suggested that a negative canthal tilt, where the lateral canthus is positioned lower than the medial canthus is commonly associated with aging.
Reference
Codner, M. A., Wolfli, J. N., & Anzarut, A. (2008). Primary transcutaneous lower blepharoplasty with routine lateral canthal support: a comprehensive 10-year review. Plastic and reconstructive surgery, 121(1), 241-250. DOI: 10.1097/01.prs.0000295377.03279.8d
Penčić, M., Čavić, M., Borovac, B., Lu, Z., & Rackov, M. (2019). Robotic eyes with 7 DOFs: structural design and motion simulation. In ROMANSY 22–Robot Design, Dynamics and Control: Proceedings of the 22nd CISM IFToMM Symposium, June 25-28, 2018, Rennes, France (pp. 52-60). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-78963-7_8