Exophthalmometry and age: A cross-sectional study with reference also to interpupillary distance and orbital width

Abstract

A 3 mm-increase in exophthalmometry value from the age of ten to 18 (previously published longitudinal data) inspired the present cross-sectional study (n = 454) of the association between eye position and age. Age range was 5–80 years, with 267 in the younger age groups (5–20 years). Adult mean values, for females and males were: exophthalmometry (Hertel) value 16.0 and 16.5 mm; interpupillary distance 62.9 and 65.9 mm, and orbital width (transverse distance between lateral bony margins) 93.7 and 97.8 mm. The size differences related to sex were apparent also during the growth period, except for exophthalrnometry recordings, where juvenile values of the two sexes were pretty similar. For the age group 5–20 years the increase of exophthalrnometry value (right eye) was given by y = 0.213 × + 11.94 (x = age); interpupillary distance y = 0.656 ×+ 51.83, and orbital width y = 0.853 ×+ 80.34. Throughout adult years a decrease in orbital width and an increase in interpupillary distance was found, while exophthalrnometry values were stable, however with a slight tendency of increasing. The findings are discussed with reference to the growth patterns of the bony walls of the orbit and possible volume changes of orbital contents.

Key Words:

• eye position and age
• Hertel exophthalmometry
• interpupillary distance and age
• orbital width and age
• facial contours
• childhood
• adolescence
• senescence