Reference exophthalmometric values in south Indian children between 3-7 years old

Abstract

To provide the reference exophthalmometric values in Indian children aged between 3-7 years.The study consisted of 528 children of both gender (age range from 3-7 years old), who were randomly selected from six schools in the two districts of south India. Normal children free of orbital diseases and other ocular abnormalities were included in the study. Exophthalmometry values were measured in right eye and left eye using a monocular Luedde exophthalmometer in the primary position. The mean absolute exophthalmomeric values among 3-7 years old children in OD and OS were 11.38 ± 0.93 mm (CI: 11.26-11.42) and 11.32 ± 0.93 mm (CI: 11.24-11.40) respectively. The mean absolute exophthalmomeric values of the OD and OS of male children were 11.28 ± 0.93mm and 11.25 ± 0.94 mm respectively. Similarly, for female children mean absolute exophthalmomeric values of the OD and OS were 11.41 ± 0.93mm and 11.39 ± 0.91mm respectively. The range of exophthalmometry values in these group of children is ranging from 9-15.5 mm. There is no significant difference (P=0.35) in exophthalmometry values among male and female children. There is a significant positive correlation between absolute exophthalmomeric values and age (r = 0.62, P < 0.05). None of the children in this study have shown relative exophthalmometry of more than 2mm. In order to diagnose orbital diseases and craniofacial deformities in clinical contexts, ophthalmologists and other healthcare professionals might use the exophthalmomeric values of Indian children aged 3 to 7 presented in this study.