Photogrammetric Analysis of Palpebral Fissure Dimensions and its Position in Malaysian South Indian Ethnic Adults by Gender

BACKGROUND: Anthropometric data describing the palpebral fissure and its position is available for various populations. Unfortunately there is no data available for Malaysian South Indian. AIM: The present study was undertaken to determine the normative values for Malaysian South Indian according to gender. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Anthropometric measurement was done on standardized photographs taken from 300 MSI aged 18-26 years. The parameters were measured using computerized software. RESULTS: Significant sexual difference was observed in all parameters except canthal index, which includes palpebral fissure width (male, 30.9 mm; female, 29.62 mm), palpebral fissure height (male, 11.06 mm; female, 11.48 mm), palpebral fissure inclination (male, 4.72°; female, 7.04°), outercanthal distance (male, 97.15 mm; female, 91.78 mm), interpupillary distance (male, 68.09 mm; female, 63.6 mm), intercanthal distance (male, 34.1 mm; female, 32.77 mm), and canthal index (male, 35.22 mm; female, 35.86±4.44 mm). CONCLUSIONS: Sexual dimorphism was found in all parameters. Comparison of our results with other studies revealed the variation and similarities in key parameters. Establishing normative values and understanding the facial morphology of different ethnic groups is important in designing the treatment planning for an aesthetic oculoplastic procedure.