Analysis of Age-related Changes in the Lower Lid and Soft Tissue Using Computed Tomography

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The anatomic relationships of the lower lid and soft tissue between younger and older groups were compared using CT scans for confirming the negative vector relationship in the Korean population. METHODS: The study sample was composed of 100 patients with no history of previous surgery and no ocular disease. Two groups of 100 patients, younger (less than 30 years of age) versus older (above 50 years of age), were studied using CT scans. The distances from the anterior cornea to the lower lid fat, inferior orbital rim and anterior cheek mass were measured at the midpupillary plane. RESULTS: The mean age of the younger group was 22.0 years (ages 14 through 29), compared with 60.6 years (ages 53 thru 73) for the older group. Comparison of mean linear measurements revealed an anterior movement of the lower lid fat between younger and older groups (-5.09 mm vs. -3.50 mm, respectively, P < 0.01). A regression of the inferior orbital rim (-6.93 mm vs. -8.98 mm, P < 0.01) and anterior cheek mass (3.07 mm vs. 0.43 mm, P < 0.01) was observed with age in the sagittal cross section view. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrates the orbital remodeling according to age in the Korean population. Because the negative vector is more common in the elderly and portends a greater risk for lower lid complications after surgery, surgeons need to consider the orbital remodeling according to age before surgery.