Monolids: A Complete Guide

Monolids

Eyes come in all shapes and sizes, and one of the most talked-about eye shapes is the monolid. If you’ve ever noticed eyelids without a visible crease, that’s a monolid. It’s a common trait, especially among East Asian populations, and carries a distinct beauty that’s often misunderstood or misrepresented. Monolids are just one of the many natural variations of eye anatomy.

In this guide, we’ll explain what monolids are, how they differ from other eye shapes, and how to care for and enhance them with simple tips.

What are Monolid Eyes?

Monolid eyes are an eyelid shape where the upper lid does not have a visible crease, resulting in a smooth surface from the lash line up to the eyebrow. This contrasts with double eyelids, which have a defined fold (supratarsal crease) that separates the eyelid into two segments.

Key characteristics:

• Smooth eyelid surface: No fold or crease above the lash line.
• Epicanthal fold: Often, a skin fold at the inner corner of the eye covers the caruncle (the pink part), contributing to the classic monolid appearance.
• Perceived eye size: Monolids can make the eyes appear smaller or more almond-shaped, though this visual effect varies among individuals.

Who Has Monolids?

Monolids are most common among people of East Asian descent, especially those from countries like China, Korea, Japan, and Mongolia. However, they can also be found in other regions, including parts of Southeast Asia, Indigenous populations of the Americas, and occasionally in people of non-Asian descent due to genetic variation.

What Causes Monolid Eyes with Epicanthic Folds?

Monolid eyes with epicanthic folds are mostly the result of genetics, but they can also appear as part of certain medical conditions. Here are both natural and genetic causes:

1. Genetic Inheritance

Monolids are usually inherited and are most common in people of East Asian descent. However, they can also be seen in individuals from other regions, especially those with almond-shaped or elongated eyes.

The gene responsible is recessive, which means both parents must carry it for the trait to be expressed. This variation is completely natural and not linked to any disorder in most cases.

2. Medical Conditions Linked to Monolids

Blepharophimosis Syndrome

A genetic condition that directly affects eyelid development. It causes droopy lids and narrow eye openings, which often result in a monolid-like appearance.

Williams Syndrome

This condition arises from the deletion of a portion of chromosome 7. It causes unique facial features, delays in development, and difficulties in learning. Epicanthic folds may be one of the visible traits.

Zellweger Syndrome

A serious genetic disorder affecting metabolism and the brain. Babies born with Zellweger syndrome often have distinct facial features, including epicanthic folds and a wide nasal bridge.

Noonan Syndrome

This inherited condition is known for its impact on facial structure and heart development. Individuals often have widely spaced eyes, low-set ears, and sometimes visible epicanthic folds.

Turner Syndrome

It impacts solely females and results from a missing or incomplete X chromosome. It results in short stature, delayed development, and sometimes subtle changes in eye shape, including folds around the eyes.

Phenylketonuria (PKU)

A rare metabolic disorder where the body can’t process phenylalanine properly. If not addressed, it may result in brain injury and changes in facial development, which may include eye shape differences.

Triple X Syndrome

This condition arises when a female has an additional X chromosome from birth. It can lead to learning challenges and mild facial changes, sometimes including slight differences in the eyelid area.

Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome

Characterised by broad thumbs and toes, short stature, and intellectual disability. Some people with this syndrome also have downward-slanting eyes or eyelid folds.

Down Syndrome

Resulting from an additional chromosome 21, this common genetic disorder includes distinct facial features such as flat nasal bridges and epicanthic folds, along with developmental delays.

Monolids vs. Double Eyelids: The Key Differences

If you have double eyelids, there’s a natural crease or fold between your eyelashes and your eyebrows. People with monolids don’t have this crease. The skin of the upper eyelid looks smooth and flat.

The main difference is in how the levator muscle (which lifts the eyelid) connects with the skin. In monolids, this connection is either absent or much lower than in double eyelids, so the skin doesn’t fold into a crease. There’s also typically more fat under the skin of the eyelid, which can make the lid look smoother and puffier.

It’s also important not to confuse monolids with ptosis. Ptosis is a medical condition where one eyelid droops lower than normal. Unlike monolids, ptosis can block part of your vision and usually only affects one eye. In some cases, surgery might be needed to fix how the eyelid works and looks.

How to Treat Monolids?

Monolids typically don’t need treatment unless someone wants to change their appearance. Many people appreciate their monolid eyes as they are. However, those who want to change or enhance their eye shape for cosmetic, cultural, or personal reasons have options to consider.

Let’s break them down.

Double Eyelid Surgery

Double-eyelid surgery is also known as Asian blepharoplasty. It is an aesthetic method that gives the upper eyelid a distinct crease. People with monolids who want an improved and symmetrical eyelid or a more open-eye appearance frequently choose it.

There are two primary methods:

• Incisional Method: A tiny incision is made along the eyelid to get rid of extra muscle, fat, or skin. The skin is then stitched to create a permanent crease. This method offers long-lasting results and allows for more reshaping if needed.
• Non-Incisional Method: In this less invasive option, sutures are used to create the crease without any cutting. Recovery is quicker, but the results may fade over time or need adjustments.

Recovery

Healing depends on the method used. The non-incisional approach usually involves minimal swelling and downtime, with most people resuming normal activities in about a week. The incisional method takes longer. You may have bruising and swelling for a few weeks, and it can take a couple of months for the final results to appear. In both cases, following aftercare instructions is essential for a smooth recovery &  natural-looking results.

Makeup Tips for Monolids

Makeup can be tricky for monolids because the usual crease-based tutorials don’t always apply. But once you understand your eye shape, you can create some seriously bold and beautiful looks.

1. Eyeshadow Application

• Use gradient layering: Apply colours in layers from the bottom to the top, rather than trying to find a crease.
• Open your eyes during application: This helps you place the shadow where it’ll actually be visible when your eyes are open.
• Stick to matte shadows for depth, but feel free to experiment with shimmer for bold looks.

2. Eyeliner Techniques

• Tightline the upper lash line to add depth without taking up lid space.
• A thin-winged liner is effective. Avoid thick lines, as they can vanish under the lid.

3. Lashes

• Curl your lashes well.
• Use a waterproof mascara to hold the curl, especially since monolids can press down on lashes.

4. Brow Emphasis

• Strong, well-shaped brows help balance the face and draw attention upward.

Final Thoughts

Monolids are a natural eye shape, and they are beautiful in their own way. You don’t need to fix them. If someone chooses to change their look through surgery or makeup, that’s a personal choice.

Whether you proudly embrace your monolids or look for ways to change or highlight them, the important thing is that you feel good and confident about yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

01. Are monolids rare?

No, they’re actually quite common, particularly among East Asians. They are an inherent variation in the structure of the eyelids.

02. Can monolids turn into double eyelids naturally?

In some cases, especially during puberty or with age, a person might develop a natural crease. But this isn’t guaranteed.

03. Is surgery the only way to get a double eyelid?

Surgery offers permanent results, but there are also temporary methods like eyelid tape, glue, or makeup techniques that can mimic a crease.

04. Do monolids affect vision?

Not at all. Monolids are purely a cosmetic feature. However, if someone has ptosis (a separate condition involving drooping eyelids), it may affect vision and require medical attention.