Head and facial anthropometry of the Indian population for designing a spectacle frame

To establish the normative data of the head and face measurements needed to design an appropriate spectacle frame for the Indian population.

Indian subjects between 20 and 40 years were included in the study. Thirteen parameters were measured using the direct and indirect methods using ImageJ software. Photographs of subjects were captured in the primary gaze position, with the head turned toward the subject's right and left by 90° from the primary gaze.

The mean ± standard deviation of age was 27.6 ± 5.7; 55.38% were males. An independent t-test showed a significant difference in nose width (P = 0.001), inter-pupillary distance (P = 0.032), and body mass index (P = .012) between males and females. Inner inter-canthi distance (P = .265), outer inter-canthi distance (P = .509), and frontal angles (P = .536) showed no significant difference. There is a significant difference in face width compared with the other studies. The mean head width of males (154.168 ± 9.121) was wider than that of females (145.431 ± 8.923). This suggests a smaller distance between the temples of a spectacle frame for females.

Considering the above factors, there is a need for a customized spectacle frame design providing better optics, improved cosmesis, and comfort to the wearer.