Margin reflex distance in different ethnic groups

To determine the normal range for eyelid margin reflex distance (MRD) in adults according to their ethnicity, age, and sex.

A prospective study of eyelid measurements in 112 consecutive adult African American, Asian, white, and Latino patients was compared using t test analysis. Measurements of MRD were collected by a single examiner across 5 months. Patients with conditions disposing to eyelid height changes were excluded.

The MRD showed statistically significant variance among select ethnic groups. There was no statistical significance between sexes within each ethnic group.

Variance in MRD exists among ethnic groups. This information and further data on ethnicity and sex variance of eyelid measurements can be used for both diagnostic purposes and surgical treatment of patients for optimal results.