Measurement of eyebrow position from inferior corneal limbus to brow: a new technique

To develop a standard measure of eyebrow position for evaluation of eyebrow ptosis and to provide normative measurements for eyebrow position using this easily reproducible measure.

A noncomparative interventional case series was performed. Measurements of eyebrow position were made on 213 subjects without cosmetic or functional complaints who presented to the eye clinic for routine eye examination during a 1-year period. Measurements were taken in the primary position of gaze. Central eyebrow height was measured as the distance from the central inferior corneal limbus to the first row of mature brow hairs (ILB) under loupe magnification. Additional measurements included the distance from the upper eyelid margin to brow, margin reflex distance-1, and palpebral fissure width.

Of the 213 subjects, 56 (26.5%) were male and 157 (73.5%) were female. Ages ranged from 5 to 80 years. Mean ILB height was 19.4 mm for males and 19.7 mm for females. The ILB was not associated with measures of eyelid height such as palpebral fissure width. There was no statistically significant difference in ILB height between males and females. However, increased ILB height was associated with increased age. African Americans had statistically significant increased mean ILB measurements compared with whites.

Measurement of ILB height provides an accurate and easily reproducible measure of eyebrow height that may be useful in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the middle and upper face. Race, but not sex, seems to be an important consideration in proper central eyebrow position.