The intercanthal and interpupillary distance in an Asian population

Intercanthal distance (ICD) and interpupillary distance (IPD) are important measurements in the evaluation of congenital deformities, posttraumatic telecanthus and hypertelorism. The normal range of ICD and IPD has been recorded from Caucasian, Black or mixed population. Objective: The aim of this study was to establish the ICD and IPD in Mongoloid, namely the KadazanDusun ethnic stock of Malaysia. Methods: A total of 140 samples consisting of 70 adult male and 70 adult female were recruited from an outpatient oral surgery clinic. ICD was measured between the median angels of the palpebral fissures and IPD was measured between the midpoint of the pupils. Measurements were done twice to the nearest 0.5 mm by two different researchers using a caliper and metal ruler. A mean was taken out of these two measurements. Results: ICD ranged from 27.0 mm to 38.0 mm, with a mean of 33.0 (SD ± 2.3 mm). Generally, ICD was higher in male (mean 33.3 ± 2.1 mm) than female (mean 32.6 ± 2.6 mm). IPD ranged from 53.0 mm to 73.0 mm with a mean of 63.2 mm (SD ± 3.3 mm). Generally, IPD was higher in male (mean 64.6 ± 3.2 mm) than female (mean 61.2 ± 3.0 mm). The difference between male and female was only statistically significant for ICD (independent t-test; p < 0.05). Conclusion: Previous study on Caucasian and Black ICD indicates an average of 32 ± 3 mm and 33.9 ± 3.0 mm respectively and an average of 63 ± 3.0 mm for Caucasian's IPD and 63.7 ± 3.7 mm for black's IPD. This study suggests that the ICD and IPD in KadazanDusun are similar to findings in Caucasian, Black and mixed populations.