The word-stem "cantho-"
refers to the canthus, which is the corner of the eye
(strictly the angle at which the upper- and lower- eyelids meet). It is
useful to recognise this terminology as used to refer to procedures concerning
the corner(s) of the eye(s).
A cantholysis is a surgical procedure in which the attachment
of the canthus (corner of the eye) is separated/divided from the underlying
tendon, tendon which is in turn attached to bone.
A cantholysis is not a stand-alone procedure but is
carried-out as a part of some delicate operations on the eyelid (see related
term blepharoplasty).
This section includes short definitions of clinical and surgical procedures
concerning the eyes and human visual system. For definitions of other
terms in this category, choose from the list to the left. Other related
pages include the diagram
of the eye, and definitions
of parts of the eye, a description
of the human retina, and the section about disorders
of the eye and visual system. |
