Exophthalmometry values in the Hong Kong Chinese adult population from a population-based study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction: This study aims to establish the range of exophthalmometry values (EV) in the adult Hong Kong Chinese population, its relationship with various anthropometric parameters and to compare it with the EV in different ethnic groups. Methods: 1485 adult Hong Kong Chinese were drawn from a random sample from the community-based FAMILY Cohort. Participants were interviewed, and comprehensive ophthalmological assessments were conducted. EV was measured using the Hertel’s exophthalmometer. Results: EV of both eyes from 630 male (42.4%) and 855 female (57.6%) participants, mean age 54±17.2 and 52±16 respectively were analysed. The mean EV were found to be 15.3±2.8mm in the right eye, 15.2±2.9mm in the left eye for men and 14.4±2.7mm in the right eye, 14.3±2.7mm for women. There were no differences in the EV of right and left eyes (p>0.05). Men had significantly higher EV than women (p<0.05) and age was found to be negatively correlated to EV (p<0.05). Body height (r=0.20), weight (r=0.25), waist (r=0.11), hip circumference (r=0.15), body mass index (r=0.17), interpupillary distance (r=0.54) and axial length (r=0.20) were all found to have statistically significant positive correlations with EV (p<0.01). Spherical equivalent was found to have statistically significant negative correlations with EV (p<0.01). Conclusion: Our study provides normative data on EV in the Hong Kong Chinese population. Height, weight, interpupillary distance, waist, hip circumference and axial length had positive correlations with EV. Spherical equivalent had negative correlation with EV. There was no significant difference in EV between the right and left eye. Age and gender had significant effect on EV.