Correlation between body composition and blepharoptosis in adults

The present study aimed to explore the association between body composition indices, such as fat mass (FM) and lean body mass (LBM), and blepharoptosis.

The study evaluated 12,168 Korean adults aged 40 years or older using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2008-2011). FM index (FMI, kg/m²) and LBM index (LBMI, kg/m²) were used to correct for the effects of body size. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between blepharoptosis and body composition indices such as FMI, LBMI, and fat percentage of whole body or head. Stratified analyses were also performed by levator function.

Higher FMI and head fat percentage were significantly associated with blepharoptosis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.10-1.65; and aOR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.03-1.69 in the highest tertile compared with the lowest, respectively). In the subgroup with good levator function (≥8 mm), higher FMI, head fat percentage, and head lean mass were significantly associated with blepharoptosis (aOR for the right eye [aORr] = 1.42 and aOR for the left eye [aORl] = 1.36; aORr = 1.41 and aORl = 1.37; and aORr = 1.50 and aORl = 1.49 in the highest tertile compared with the lowest, respectively; all p < 0.05).

Body compositions with high adiposity indices, such as high FMI and head fat percentage, were positively associated with blepharoptosis. Awareness of the potential correlation between obesity-associated fat deposition and blepharoptosis could improve management of the condition and contribute to understanding the pathogenesis of blepharoptosis.