Sanpaku eyes refer to an appearance where the white part of the eye, known as the sclera, is visible either above or below the iris. This distinct look, also medically termed “scleral show,” is a variation in eye structure. Unlike typical eyes where the iris usually touches the upper and lower eyelids, sanpaku eyes present an additional visible strip of white. The term itself, originating from Japanese, translates to “three whites,” reflecting the three exposed areas of the sclera around the iris.
What Sanpaku Eyes Look Like
Sanpaku eyes are distinguished by the visible white sclera either above or below the colored iris, contrasting with most eyes where the sclera is typically only seen on the sides. There are two primary types of sanpaku eye appearances.
Yin Sanpaku, the more frequently observed type, features the white sclera visible beneath the iris. This appearance suggests the iris sits higher in the eye, leaving a noticeable crescent of white below. Conversely, Yang Sanpaku is characterized by the white sclera being visible above the iris, indicating the iris sits lower. Identifying sanpaku eyes involves observing the eye in a neutral, forward gaze to determine if extra white is consistently present beyond the usual lateral visibility.
Medical and Physiological Reasons
Sanpaku eyes can stem from natural physiological factors and specific medical conditions. Some individuals are simply born with sanpaku eyes due to genetic predispositions influencing their eye shape, eyelid positioning, or overall facial anatomy.
Aging also plays a role as the skin and muscles around the eyes lose elasticity. This natural weakening can lead to the lower eyelid sagging slightly, exposing more sclera beneath the iris. In some cases, fat around the eye socket may shrink, causing the eyeball to recede and potentially altering eyelid position.
Certain medical conditions are also linked to sanpaku eyes. Thyroid eye disease, particularly Graves’ ophthalmopathy, can cause the eyeballs to bulge forward (exophthalmos), making the sclera more prominent above and/or below the iris. Eyelid retraction, where the eyelid pulls back, or ectropion, an outward turning of the lower eyelid, can similarly expose more sclera. Additionally, factors such as eye trauma, hormonal imbalances, extreme near-sightedness, and complications from eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) may contribute.
Sanpaku Eyes and Underlying Health
In many instances, sanpaku eyes are a normal anatomical variation and do not signify underlying health problems. They can be a benign inherited trait or develop naturally with age, often without associated medical concerns. For many, it is merely a cosmetic feature.
However, if sanpaku eyes appear suddenly, progress rapidly, or are asymmetrical, they could indicate an underlying health issue. Changes accompanied by symptoms like eye pain, vision changes, excessive dryness, or bulging eyes warrant medical evaluation. Conditions such as thyroid disorders, neurological issues, or severe fatigue and stress can influence eyelid tension and eye appearance. Consulting an eye care professional is prudent if such changes arise, ensuring potential medical conditions are identified and addressed promptly.
Historical Interpretations and Misconceptions
The concept of sanpaku eyes gained prominence through historical interpretations, particularly in Eastern philosophies and traditional face reading practices. Japanese macrobiotic theorist George Ohsawa popularized the term in the West in the 1960s, proposing that sanpaku eyes indicated an imbalance in a person’s physical, physiological, or spiritual state.
Traditional beliefs associated Yin Sanpaku (white visible below the iris) with physical imbalance or susceptibility to accidents. Conversely, Yang Sanpaku (white visible above the iris) was linked to mental imbalance, aggression, or a violent disposition. These interpretations, rooted in Japanese physiognomy, suggested such eye characteristics could predict destiny or personality traits. However, these historical and cultural beliefs are not supported by scientific evidence. Modern medical understanding considers sanpaku eyes, or scleral show, as a typically harmless anatomical variation, dispelling these superstitious claims.