Eye measurements in 7-year-old black South African children.

Background: Ethnic variation often renders anthropometric reference values obtained in one population unsuitable for use in others. Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) diagnosis relies in part on the evaluation of certain anthropometric facial features. Measurements of these facial features in South African children have not been compared with measurements obtained in other populations.

Aim: The study seeks to determine the suitability of reference values obtained in other populations for the diagnosis of the facial phenotype associated with FAS in South African children.

Participants And Methods: Palpebral fissure length (PFL), interpupillary distance (IPD), inner canthal distance (ICD) and outer canthal distance (OCD) measured in a group of black South African children were obtained from digital photographs using stereophotogrammetry, and compared with measurements published for other populations. The study population comprised 17 7-year-old boys and 17 7-year-old girls. The precision and reliability of measurements were examined with reference to published data.

Results: Eye distance measurements in the study population do not consistently reflect those in any one other population for which such measurements have been published.

Conclusion: Population-specific reference values of eye distance measurements should be established for South African children.