Anthropometric Analysis of Slant of Palpebral Fissure in Koreans

Choi, Seung Suk; Park, Dae Hwan

Abstract

An upward slant of palpebral fissure is usually said and believed to be a hallmark of Mongolian race. The slant of palpebral fissure is very important in the evaluation and treatment of patients with congenital deformities. And these statistical values of slant of palpebral fissures are very helpful in case of traumatic or congenital lateral canthal deformities and upper face lift or forehead lift. The normal values of slant of palpebral fissures are variable according to races, sex and ages. Even if upward slant of palpebral fissure are one of characteristic features of Koreans, there are a few articles concerning them in Korea yet, unfortunately. So, we have inevitably utilized the Caucasian or Japanese statistical data. Authors measured the slant of palpebral fissure in Koreans, and statistically analyzed them in 996 individuals including 468 males and 528 females. The mean values of slant of palpebral fissure was 8.5+/-2.0degreein males and 8.8+/-2.5degreein females. The mean values of slant of palpebral fissure was greater in female than male. However, there was no statistical difference between males and females. The slant of palpebral fissure reached the peak level at childhood and teenagers in a great portion. After the peak level, the changing pattern of slant of palpebral fissure was decreasing gradually. In summary, we consider 8.65degreeas normal standard value of slant of palpebral fissure when performing lateral canthal surgery in Koreans.