The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Blepharoptosis in an Elderly Asian Population

Abstract

Background: Age-related blepharoptosis, or ptosis, affects vision and appearance. Associations with age, gender, BMI, and diabetes have been explored, but the link to blood lipids remains unclear. The impact on refraction also lacks consensus. This study addresses gaps by investigating ptosis prevalence and factors in a representative Chinese population, aiming for a comprehensive understanding.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among individuals aged 50 and above who were willing to participate in comprehensive systemic check-ups, behavioral questionnaires, and ophthalmic examinations at Yaoxi Community Health Center in Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province.

Results: The prevalence of blepharoptosis among the elderly participants at this health center was 27.16%. Individuals with blepharoptosis tended to be older, male, exhibited slightly higher body mass index, wider waist circumference, engaged in lower exercise frequency, and had a higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, and with-the-rule astigmatism compared to their counterparts without these conditions. Adjusting for all other confounding variables, older age, being male, higher fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and lower exercise frequency displayed statistically significant relationships with blepharoptosis. After examining the distribution of blepharoptosis degrees within relevant factor subgroups, we noted a higher prevalence of severe ptosis in subgroups associated with older age, male gender, higher FPG, and against-the-rule astigmatism.

Conclusion: The notable associations with age, gender, FPG, and exercise level suggest a multifactorial etiology for blepharoptosis. The observed link between with-the-rule astigmatism and blepharoptosis implies a potential contributory role in the refractive aspect of blepharoptosis.

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Keywords: Blepharoptosis; Elder people; Prevalence; Risk factors.