Changes in lower eyelid resting position, movement, and tone with age

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Gerontology
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Age-related changes in eyelid function are not fully understood.
• Eyelid laxity is a common concern in the elderly population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate age-related changes in lower eyelid movement, resting position, and tone.
• To correlate these changes with eyelid laxity.

Main Methods:

• Study included 185 normal white patients aged 15-89 years.
• Measured vertical eyelid excursion (downgaze to upgaze) and horizontal excursion (blinking).
• Assessed lower eyelid resting position and correlated findings with eyelid laxity.

Main Results:

• Mean vertical eyelid excursion was 5.29 mm, decreasing by 0.05 mm/yr with age.
• Mean horizontal excursion was 3.3 mm, decreasing by 0.015 mm/yr.
• Decreased movement correlated significantly with increased eyelid laxity (P < .001).
• Elderly patients had lower eyelid resting positions against the globe, linked to laxity (P < .001).

Conclusions:

• Age significantly reduces lower eyelid vertical and horizontal movement.
• Increased eyelid laxity is a primary factor in age-related decline of eyelid function.
• These findings have implications for understanding age-related ocular surface changes and potential interventions.