Association between gender, age and palpebral dimensions/exophthalmometric values among Nigerians of Ido local government area of Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Knowledge of factors that could affect exophthalmometric and palpebral's measurement are important in clinical for the correct interpretation of these parameters. Among these factors are age and sex. Aims and Objectives: The objective of this study is to describe the relationship between gender, age and palpebral dimensions/exophthalmometric values (EV) among Nigerian. Materials and Methods: In a descriptive cross -sectional survey, EV and palpebral dimensions were measured in 1020 eligible and consented adults Nigerians using Hertel's exophthalmometer and non -stretchable plain plastic ruler respectively. Results: The studied population comprised of 1020 subjects including 515 females and 505 males. In the male subjects, the mean (mm) palpebral fissure width, palpebral fissure height, upper eyelid crease, margin reflex distance, lateral canthal distance, medial canthal distance, inter inner canthal distance and inter outer canthal distance were; 32.6 ± 2.8, 8.3 ± 1.4, 6.9 ± 1.6, 3.2 ± 1.2, 12.8 ± 2.0, 10.1 ± 0.9, 39.9 ± 3.2, 99.5 ± 5.6 respectively. Males had a significantly higher EV compared with females (15.5 ± 2.5 mm vs. 15.1 ± 2.4 mm, P = 0.0005). Conclusion: In this study, we described the relationship between gender, age and EV/palpebral dimension in African population. The knowledge of this relationship is valuable in the early diagnosis of the eyelid and orbital diseases, manufacturing of spectacles as well as achieving a satisfactory cosmetic eyelid surgery.