Quantitative 3-dimensional Geometry of the Aging Eyelids

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Gerontology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Facial aging is a recognized process, but its three-dimensional (3D) characterization, particularly of periorbital structures, remains limited.
• Previous studies have often relied on 2D assessments, lacking the precision to fully capture age-related anatomical changes around the eye.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and validate a novel 3D imaging technique for quantifying age-related changes in periorbital anatomy.
• To establish a robust method for analyzing eyelid geometry and its variations across different age groups.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 3D photogrammetry to capture periorbital structures in 46 white women across three age groups (20-39, 40-59, 60+ years).
• Employed point cloud processing software (CloudCompare) and principal component analysis (PCA) on manually selected anatomical landmarks (eyelid margins, creases, canthi).
• Assessed statistical significance of PCA values related to eyelid geometry across age cohorts.

Main Results:

• Observed age-related decreases in palpebral fissure width and height, with width diminishing more rapidly.
• Noted a reduction in the depth difference between the lateral and medial canthi with increasing age.
• Identified increased variability in the superior eyelid crease formation in older age groups.
• Found statistically significant differences in eyelid geometry (PCA values) between the youngest and oldest age groups.

Conclusions:

• 3D photogrammetry provides a precise and dependable method for evaluating the aging eyelid.
• Quantified specific age-induced alterations in eyelid margin, crease position, and lateral canthus, previously only anecdotally described.
• This technique offers a foundation for more objective assessments of periorbital aging.