Great Maxilla Gives Great Eyes

Great midface development significantly influences the appearance of the eyes by providing a robust structural foundation for the orbits (eye sockets). Because the maxilla forms the floor of the orbit and the infraorbital rim, its forward and upward growth directly dictates eye shape, support, and overall “alertness”. 

Key eye characteristics associated with healthy maxillary development include:

A well-developed maxilla extends forward past the plane of the eye, providing a positive orbital vector. This prevents the eyes from appearing “bulging”.  The “bug eyed” look is a relatively common trait in faces characterised by a recessed (set-back) maxilla.

Proper structure of the under-eye (infraorbital rim) support keeps the lower eyelid high. In contrast, an underdeveloped maxilla leads to an inferior sclera exposure, where the white of the eye is visible between the iris and the lower lid—creating a tired, sad, “sluggish” look.

Outstanding, healthy maxillary development is often linked to the deep-set “hunter eyes," characterized by a deep-set position within the skull. This depth is created by the forward growth of the surrounding midface bones (maxilla and zygomatics) and a more prominent brow ridge in men.

While recessed maxilla development and mouth breathing can cause eye sockets to appear large and drooping, healthy growth keeps the orbits more compact and hormonious with the midface.

In an up-and-forward grown midface the outer corner of the eye (lateral canthus) sits higher than the inner corner (medial canthus). Strong maxillary and zygomatic support typically fosters this upward-tilted, almond-shaped eye contour that so many people try to obtain through cosmetic surgery or make-up. 

With a forward-grown maxilla, the eyes appear horizontally elongated and sleek (“almond shaped”) rather than round or drooping (“prey eyes”). 

A forward maxilla fills the hollows under the eyes. In recessed faces, the lack of bone volume creates deep shadows or "tear trough deformities" and pseudo eye bags because the orbital fat lacks a firm support — literally a shelf — to rest on.

Better structural support of a well developed maxilla keeps the skin under the eyes tight, reducing wrinkling and puffiness in young age. 

Emerging research shows a correlation between healthy jaw development and less prevalence of eyesight problems such as myopia or astigmatism, as the shape of the orbit can influence the curvature of the cornea. Those refractive errors (myopia and astigmatism) that surface during early puberty are correlated with facial bone growth at that age.