Head and facial anthropometry of South Indian pediatric population

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to document and describe the head and facial anthropometric data in the pediatric age group using direct and indirect methods. Materials and Methods: It was a prospective study done from January 2021 to June 2021. All children aged 7 to 18 years who attended our pediatric ophthalmology outpatient department were included. Head and facial anthropometric parameters were defined and collected by direct and indirect methods. Rees-Fairbanks facial gauge was used to collect data in the direct method. In the indirect method, three photographs were taken one in straight gaze, the second toward their right side, and the third toward their left side positioned and analyzed by image processing software called ImageJ. Results: Anthropometric data were collected for 254 children which included 125 boys and 129 girls. Facial parameters were recorded by both direct and indirect methods. The highest mean difference between the two methods was <2 mm for linear measurements and <2° for angular measurements. Conclusion: We found that anthropometric data obtained by direct and indirect methods concur to a great extent. Further, the anthropometric data were different in different age groups and may have a bearing on spectacle prescription in children.