Trends in horizontal periocular asymmetry

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Facial Anatomy
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Understanding facial asymmetry is crucial in ophthalmology and plastic surgery.
• Previous studies have explored facial symmetry, but specific laterality in periocular horizontal dimensions requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate potential laterality predominance in the horizontal dimensions of the periocular region.
• To quantify asymmetry in specific periocular landmarks.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study analyzed standardized digital photographs of 83 adult patients without periocular trauma or alterations.
• Image J software was used to measure horizontal distances from the midline to the pupil center, lateral canthus, and lateral zygoma.
• Data were analyzed for the entire cohort and stratified by patient-identified gender.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant right-sided predominance was observed for midline to pupil center, midline to lateral canthus, and midline to lateral zygoma measurements.
• The right side showed larger measurements compared to the left side across these key periocular landmarks.
• Horizontal periocular asymmetry was found to be more prevalent in males.

Conclusions:

• Adults without periocular-altering history exhibit a right-sided predominance in horizontal periocular dimensions.
• This right-sided bias is significant for measurements involving the pupil, lateral canthus, and zygoma.
• Greater asymmetry in horizontal periocular measurements was noted in males.