The medial and lateral canthi are the inner and outer corners where the upper and lower eyelids meet. The medial canthus holds the lacrimal caruncle and the start of the tear drainage system.
| Location | Inner (medial) and outer (lateral) angles of the palpebral fissure |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Infratrochlear and lacrimal nerves |
| Blood Supply | Palpebral arteries; Angular artery (medial) |
Anchor the eyelids to the orbital rim and shape the eye opening.
Basal cell carcinoma often occurs at the medial canthus and may invade deeply. Injury to the medial canthal tendon or lacrimal canaliculi needs specialist repair. The lateral canthus may be cut urgently (lateral canthotomy) to relieve dangerous pressure from orbital bleeding.
Raised orbital pressure from bleeding, relieved by lateral canthotomy.
A skin cancer at the inner corner of the eye.
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