The term monolid eyes, also known as single eyelids, describes the shape of your eyelid. If you have monolids eyes, the skin on your upper eyelid is smooth and covers the inner corner of your eye, making your eyes appear smaller. There are no creases or folds separating the eyelids. Epicanthal folds are common, especially in people of Asian descent. They can also be a characteristic of certain genetic conditions like Down syndrome.
Monolids
Monolids, where the eyelids don't have a visible crease, are a beautiful and unique feature. However, monolid eyes can sometimes look flat and tired and create limitations for the look you want to achieve.
At Perfect Eyes Limited in London, we offer treatments to enhance and define your monolids, making your natural beauty shine.
What are Monolid Eyes?
Other Causes of Monolid Eyes with Epicanthic Folds
Genetics
The gene for monolids is recessive. They are most common in people of East Asian descent, but can also be found in people of other races with almond-shaped & elongated eyes.
Down syndrome
A condition that causes unique physical traits and developmental delays, caused by an extra chromosome. People who have Down syndrome are born with an additional chromosome.
Turner syndrome
A condition that affects only females, causing short stature and developmental delays. People with Turner syndrome are born missing one of their X chromosomes.
Phenylketonuria (PKU)
A condition that causes phenylalanine to build up in the blood, leading to brain damage if left untreated. PKU is caused by a buildup of the amino acid phenylalanine in the blood.
Williams syndrome
A condition that causes distinct facial features, developmental delays, and learning problems. People with Williams syndrome are born with a piece of chromosome 7 missing.
Noonan syndrome
A condition that causes unique facial characteristics and heart problems. Noonan syndrome is caused by changes in certain genes.
Triple X syndrome
A condition that affects only females, causing developmental delays and learning problems. Individuals with Triple X syndrome have an additional X chromosome.
Zellweger syndrome
A condition that causes severe issues with the nervous system and metabolism. Zellweger syndrome is caused by a genetic mutation in any of the PEX genes.
Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome
A condition that causes unique characteristics, including large thumbs and toes, as well as short stature and intellectual disabilities.
Blepharophimosis syndrome
A condition that results in issues with the development of the eyelids, such as droopy and small eye apertures.
Treatments for Monolids
Double Eyelid Surgery
Double eyelid surgery, or Asian blepharoplasty, creates a natural upper eyelid crease, giving Asian patients a refreshed or open eyes appearance, with long-lasting results for moderate to severe eyelid issues.
Meet the Expert: Dr. Sabrina Shah-Desai
With over two decades of surgical and non-surgical experience, Dr. Sabrina Shah-Desai is currently considered to be one of the safest, most experienced oculoplastic surgeons in the UK. Her extensive training, in combination with her caring and empathetic nature, makes her a natural choice for patients seeking the very best care. For this reason, Dr. Sabrina Shah-Desai appears consistently in Tatler magazine as one of the UK’s “Best Eye Surgeon” and “Top Doctors” since 2019, and is the recipient of multiple awards, including “Best Aesthetic Doctor” Safety in Beauty Diamond Award 2023, “Consultant Surgeon of the Year”, “Best Surgical Result” Aesthetic Awards 2021 & Highly Commended “Consultant Surgeon of the Year” Aesthetic Awards 2022. She was voted by “MyFaceMyBody” as one of the Global 100 most influential aesthetic practitioners in 2019 & 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions
Monolids vs Double Eyelids: Is there any difference?
If you have double eyelids, you’ll notice a curved crease between your eyelashes and eyebrows. On the other hand, monolids don’t have this visible crease.
What's the percentage of Asians who have monolid eyes?
Approximately 50% of Asians have monolid eyes, meaning one in two Asians does not have an arc-shaped crease in their upper eyelid.
Are monolid eyes the same as hooded eyes?
No, they are different conditions. Hooded eyes refer to the condition where excess skin directly under the brow line folds over the upper eyelid, covering it like a hood.
Are monolid eyes the same as ptosis?
No, they are different conditions. Ptosis is the drooping of an upper eyelid that would be in a more elevated position. It causes droopy eyelids that can affect vision, and it usually affects one eye.
Is monolid dangerous?
Monolid eyes are typically a harmless trait. However, monolid eye shape with epicanthic folds may be characteristic of some genetic conditions, including Down, Turner, and Noonan syndromes.
How can I tell if I have monolids?
To check if you have monolids, look at your eyelids and see how much of the eyelid and crease are visible. If you can’t see much of a crease, then you probably have monolids.
