Do Orthognathic Patients and Persons Without Facial Deformities Have Different Visual Attention to Menton Deviation?

This study aimed to quantify how menton deviation influenced facial visual attention of orthognathic patients and persons without facial deformities, and to explore differences between them.

The visual scanning paths of 260 participants (Group I, 130 orthognathic participants; Group II, 130 participants without facial deformities) while observing images reflecting normal subjects and those with different menton deviation degrees were recorded with an eye-tracking device. The fixation duration [FD] and first fixation time [FFT]) on the areas of interest for each group were compared.

Although Group I devoted longer FD to the lower face than the Group II when observing a normal face (P < 0.05), a menton deviation of 3°D was associated with a significantly longer FD and earlier FFT for both groups ( P < 0.05). As the severity of the menton deviation increased, this trend became more obvious, and the visual attention paid to the eyes and nose decreased (FD decreased, FFT delayed), especially for Group II ( P < 0.05).

A menton deviation of 3° can induce abnormally increased visual attention to the lower face in both orthognathic patients and persons without facial deformities. With increased menton deviation, this trend will be more obvious, and the visual attention to the eyes and nose will also be affected, especially for persons without facial deformities, attention to the eyes will be significantly reduced.