Anthropometric Analysis on the Ocular Region Morphology of Children and Young Adults in Chinese Han Population.

Purpose: The periocular features vary in different age groups and ethnic populations. In this study, the authors sought to determine whether age-related differences exist for certain periocular parameters between children and young adults of Chinese Han population.

Methods: OU of 310 children (aged 7-10 years) and 301 young adults (aged 20-30 years) were evaluated by 2-dimensional photogrammetry. All the subjects were of Chinese Han population. The eyelid crease profiles were classified according to their morphology. Periocular measurements, including 11 linear and 3 angular parameters were acquired from standardized photographs, 3 indices were further derived. The presence of epicanthal fold was also recorded. Each of the parameters was compared between the age groups.

Results: A statistical difference was found between the 2 age groups for the distribution of eyelid crease types. Statistical significances existed between the age groups for various parameters, these include palpebral fissure height and width, margin reflex distance, intercanthal and outercanthal width, distance from the medial end of the eyebrow to the medial canthus, distance from the lateral end of the brow to the lateral canthus, crease height and eyebrow height, angle of endocanthion and exocanthion, palpebral fissure inclination, palpebrae fissure index, canthal index, and angular index (p < 0.05). The incidence of epicanthal fold tended to decrease with increase of age.

Conclusions: Age differences exist in periocular features between children and young adults of Chinese Han population. Standards of periocular measurements based on age and race could provide reliable guidelines for clinical examination and planning periocular surgery.