J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.
2007 Feb;48(2):205-210.
The Frequency and Aspects of Ptosis in Korean Old Age
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Ophthalmology, Gangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. sljeon@freechal.com
Abstract
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PURPOSE: To study the frequency and aspects of ptosis in Koreans aged 50 years or older.
METHODS
In this study, 377 elderly people visiting retirement center were included. Margin-reflex distance 1 (MRD1) and palpebral fissure (PF) were evaluated with an attempt to eliminate eyebrow elevation. Levator function (LF) was measured with Berke's method. If the measured MRD1 was less than 2 mm, ptosis was diagnosed and its frequency, relation to sex, age, levator function and superior deep sulcus were investigated.
RESULTS
There was a correlation between decreasing MRD1, PF and LF with increasing age. Ptosis was observed in 207 subjects (54.9%), and its frequency was augmented as age increased. Although it was not statistically significant, the levator function of those with ptosis (10.0+/-1.9 mm) was lower than those without ptosis (11.3+/-1.9 mm). Questionnaires were administered and 196 respondents (51%) said that their eyelid droop had become more pronounced over time. Among these respondents, 33 (16.1%) indicated that their droopy eyelid causes discomfort by blocking their vision. Their MRD1 was 1.2+/-1.0 mm, which was significantly lower than that of the other 163 respondents (1.8+/-1.1 mm, P<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Koreans aged 50 years or older showed a very high frequency (54.9%) of ptosis and as age increased, the frequency of ptosis also increased. Surgical correction is recommended when the ptosis causes patient discomfort due to impaired vision.
