Eyelid disorders and morphologies among older individuals: a cross-sectional survey in China

AIM: To investigate the prevalence and types of eyelid disorders among an elderly population in China, underscoring the significance of eyelid health for the aging demographic. METHODS: A cross-sectional epidemiological survey was conducted on 3038 individuals over the age of 50, all of whom were evaluated at the community health center. Each participant underwent routine ophthalmic examinations and eyelid morphology evaluations by an ophthalmologist. Eyelid disorders and morphology were assessed through slit-lamp examination and direct visual inspection. The study analyzed the characteristics of common eyelid disorders, including blepharoptosis, dermatochalasis, eyelid tumors, entropion, lower eyelid retraction (LER) and ectropion, as well as eyelid morphologies such as sunken and bulging eyelids. Descriptive statistics were used for demographic data, Chi-square test analyzed gender distribution differences, and logistic regression calculated odds ratios for blepharoptosis (P<0.05 considered significant). RESULTS: The study revealed that eyelid disorders were present in 1250 (41%) individuals, with blepharoptosis being the most common disorder (25%), followed by severe dermatochalasis (16%), eyelid tumors (9.3%), LER and ectropion (11%), and entropion (1.2%). Sunken eyelids were more prevalent in men (26%) than in women (17%). The study found significant associations between the presence of blepharoptosis and sunken upper eyelids [P=0.01, odds ratio (OR)=1.33], as well as male gender (P=0.038, OR=1.22). Additionally, the prevalence of blepharoptosis increased with age. CONCLUSION: Eyelid disorders are highly prevalent in older people and increase steeply with age. This study highlights the need for increased awareness of eyelid health among older individuals at risk for eyelid disorders and the importance of ophthalmic examination for early diagnosis and management of these disorders.