Orbital Volume Increases With Age: A Computed Tomography-Based Volumetric Study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Radiology
• Gerontology

Background:

• Aging affects facial structures, including the bony orbit.
• Understanding age-related changes in orbital volume is crucial for aesthetic and reconstructive procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate age-related changes in bony orbital volume (BOV) in adult males and females.
• To compare BOV between younger and older adult populations.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study analyzed high-resolution CT scans from 120 patients (aged 18-30 and 60-75 years).
• Bony orbital volume (BOV) was measured in both orbits of eligible participants, excluding those with relevant medical conditions or prior surgery.
• Generalized estimating equations were used to account for the correlation between paired orbits.

Main Results:

• A total of 240 orbits from 120 patients were analyzed.
• Females aged 60-75 years exhibited a significantly larger mean BOV (20,939.38 mm³) compared to females aged 20-30 years (19,153.69 mm³), P=0.05.
• Males showed no significant difference in mean BOV between age groups (20-30 years: 22,2721 mm³ vs. 60-75 years: 22,892.92 mm³, P=0.40).
• Mean BOV was significantly greater in males than females across both age groups (P ≤ 0.01).

Conclusions:

• Female bony orbital volume significantly increases with age.
• Male bony orbital volume does not show significant age-related changes.
• Orbital volume expansion in females may be a contributing factor to the visible signs of facial aging.