Exophthalmometric values and their biometric correlates: The Kandy Eye Study.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Population Health
• Biometrics

Background:

• Determining normal exophthalmometry values is crucial for population health assessment.
• Understanding correlates of exophthalmometry aids in diagnosing conditions like proptosis.
• Previous studies have not established normative values for the Sri Lankan population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish normal exophthalmometric (eye protrusion) values in a Sri Lankan population.
• To investigate demographic, physical, refractive, and ocular biometric factors associated with exophthalmometry.
• To identify independent predictors of exophthalmometric values in this population.

Main Methods:

• A population-based, cross-sectional study (Kandy Eye study) involving 1375 participants aged 40 and above.
• Exophthalmometry measured using Hertel's exophthalmometer; demographic, physical, refractive, and ocular biometric data collected.
• Statistical analyses included correlation and regression to identify relationships between exophthalmometry and various factors.

Main Results:

• The mean exophthalmometry value was 15.82 mm (SD 2.73 mm).
• Exophthalmometry values were significantly higher in men than women.
• Significant correlations found with age, gender, height, weight, BMI, base, and axial length; gender, weight, base, and axial length were independent predictors.

Conclusions:

• This study provides the first normal exophthalmometric range for Sri Lankans.
• Gender, weight, base, and axial length are significant correlates of exophthalmometry in this population.
• Refractive status was not found to be a cause of pseudo-proptosis in Sri Lankans.