Three-dimensional anthropometric analysis of eyelid aging among Chinese women

Abstract Background Eyelid morphology is highly susceptible to aging. Previous studies have described the process of eyelid aging in Caucasians; however, anthropometric data describing aging in Chinese eyelids is lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to quantitively analyse the effect of aging on the eyelids of Chinese women via three-dimensional anthropometry. Methods In this prospective, cross-sectional study, three-dimensional photos were captured from 188 healthy Chinese Han women, who were categorized into four age groups. Anthropometric landmarks were identified for the measurement of eyelid parameters and a unified coordinate system was built onto each subject. Linear and angular measurements were computed from the coordinates and were compared between the groups using ANOVA and Tukey honestly significant difference post-hoc test. Results An age-related decrease was observed in the ocular width, outer canthal width, palpebral fissure height, and multiple angular measurements. This indicated upper eyelid ptosis, which reduced the lateral and superior visual field. Lateral shift of the upper eyelid arc was not observed. The lower eyelid underwent slight elevation with increasing age. Aging rendered the periorbital region less aesthetically pleasing, as shown by changes in the multiple proportion indices computed. Furthermore, intergroup comparison indicated that eyelid aging was accelerated after the age of 40 years among Chinese women. Conclusion This study used three-dimensional photography to quantitively analyse how eyelids in Chinese women changed with age. The anthropometric data collected could help with anti-aging cosmetic surgery planning and postoperative assessment.