Lateral canthal lines are small lines that develop at the outer corners of the eyes. They are sometimes referred to as eye wrinkles, or lines around the eyes and occur as a result of repeated facial movement and natural changes in the skin over time.
These lines form in the lateral canthal region, which is the area at the outer edge of the eye where the upper and lower eyelids meet. Because the skin around the eyes is thinner than many other areas of the face and moves frequently during expressions, lines in this area can gradually become more noticeable with age.
The primary muscle involved in the formation of eye wrinkles is the obicularis oculi.
Obicularis oculi
The obicularis oculi is a circular muscle that surrounds the eye. It plays an important role in facial expressions such as smiling and squinting.
Because this muscle contracts frequently during everyday expressions, the skin at the outer corners of the eyes can gradually develop visible lines over time.
Lines around the eyes develop due to a combination of repeated facial movement and natural changes in skin structure.
Muscle contraction
Expressions such as smiling, squinting and laughing activate the muscles surrounding the eye. Over time, repeated movement in this area can contribute to the formation of visible lines in the skin.
Skin changes
The skin around the eyes is the thinnest on the entire body. As the skin ages, levels of collagen and elastin gradually decrease. When their levels decline, the already thin skin has less support and can cause fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes to deepen over time.
Other factors
Sun exposure, genetics, skin hydration, rubbing of the eyes, and sleeping positions may also influence how eye wrinkles develop.
Lines around the eyes often begin as dynamic lines, meaning they appear only during facial movement such as smiling or squinting.
Over time, these lines may become static lines, which remain visible even when the face is at rest. This change occurs gradually as the skin loses its collagen and elasticity, and the wrinkle becomes deeper over time due to repeated muscle contraction.
The area surrounding the eyes contain several anatomical structures that influence how eye wrinkles form over time. Changes within these structures during the ageing process can influence the appearance of lines around the eyes. These include:
• the outer skin
• the dermis
• subcutaneous tissue
• the obicularis oculi muscle
• underlying facial bones
Lines around the eyes are one of several changes that occur in the upper face. You can also learn more about forehead wrinkles and glabellar lines (lines between the eyebrows) .
Understanding how facial muscles and skin changes over time can help explain why lines develop in different areas of the face.
If you would like a personalised assessment of facial anatomy and ageing changes, a consultation provides the opportunity to discuss your individual concerns and determine what options may be appropriate for you. Treatment options and results vary from person-to-person.
You can learn more about the consultation process or arrange a wrinkle reduction consultation.
Book a consultationLateral canthal lines are small lines that form at the outer corner of the eyes due to repeated facial movement and natural ageing changes in the skin. They are also referred to as eye wrinkles, or wrinkles around the eyes.
Lines around the eyes develop due to frequent facial expressions such as smiling and squinting, combined with gradual changes in the skin's collagen and elastin over time.
Eye wrinkles may begin appearing in the late twenties or thirties, although this varies depending on genetics, sun exposure, and skin quality.
The obicularis oculi muscle surrounds the eye and is responsible for facial expressions such as smiling. Repeated contraction of the muscle contributes to the development of lines around the eyes.