Definition of Epicanthal fold

Epicanthal fold: A fold of skin that comes down across the inner angle of the eye. Epicanthal folds appear most frequently in persons with Down syndrome and some other constellations of birth defects. To the untrained eye, an epicanthal fold may look similar to the eye fold found in peoples of Asian origin, but the normal Asian eye fold is actually quite distinct, whereas an epicanthal fold is continuous with the lower edge of the upper eyelid.

Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionary
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=3271
Last Editorial Review: 3/19/2012