Eye tracker based study: Perception of faces with a cleft lip and nose deformity
Olaf van Schijndel1, Ralph Litschel2, Thomas J J Maal1
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (Head: Prof. S.J. Bergé), Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Summary
Individuals with cleft lip and nose attract visual attention, particularly to the affected lip area. However, clefts did not significantly alter perceptions of personality traits in observers.
Area of Science:
- Plastic surgery
- Psychology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Facial clefts can affect appearance and social perception.
- Understanding visual attention patterns is crucial for assessing the impact of cleft stigmata.
- Previous literature suggests potential negative personality trait associations with clefts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify visual attention towards cleft stigmata.
- To investigate the impact of cleft stigmata on perceived personality traits.
Main Methods:
- Forty observers viewed photographs of patients with cleft lip/nose, comparing original and digitally corrected images.
- Visual scan paths and fixation times on specific facial regions (oronasal, eyes, lip) were recorded.
- Observers rated perceived personality traits using visual analogue scales.
Main Results:
- Observers spent significantly more time fixating on the oronasal region and cleft lip compared to corrected images.
- The cleft lip was the primary attention-drawing factor.
- No significant differences were found in perceived personality traits between cleft and corrected facial images.
Conclusions:
- Cleft lip and nose possess a notable attention-drawing potential, with the lip being the most significant factor.
- The study did not find evidence to support the idea that cleft patients are perceived as having negative personality traits.
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