Orbitofacial Assessment of Indian Americans and Its Significance – An Anthropometric Study

Abstract

Background: For the perception of facial attractiveness, the orbital region in the face acts as a key determinant factor. The Orbitofacial measurements vary with sex and race. Orbital region in the face is one of the most important regions in plastic, reconstructive and ophthalmic surgery and anthropometric evaluation. There are no reports available on the Orbitofacial anthropometry in Indian American population. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to determine the normal average values of linear measurements of the orbital and eyebrow regions and to determine any significant sex differences that exist in the Indian American students of American University of Antigua (AUA), Antigua. Methods: The direct orbitofacial anthropometric measurements (orbital and eyebrow linear measurements, height of the orbit to the length of the eye fissure ratio and canthal index) were carried out using digital caliper in 100 men and 100 women Indian American students (18 to 30 years) of AUA, Antigua and compared between sexes. Results: The orbital and eyebrow linear measurements of Indian American men showed higher value when compared to women. Outer canthal distance, inner canthal distance and thickness of the eyebrow showed statistically significant sexual difference. The palpebral fissure width, height of the orbit and inter eyebrow distance showed no statistical significant sexual difference. Height of the orbit to length of the eye fissure ratio and Canthal index were calculated and showed higher value in men when compared to women. Conclusion: The Orbitofacial anthropometric data obtained in the present study can be used as a reference value for Indian Americans and can be made use in diagnostic procedures, designing of products like optical spectacle frames and lenses, surgical procedures and also in studies involving facial attractiveness.