An Epidemiological Study Of Refractive Errors And Various Ocular Anomolies In Dominica, West Indies.

In a sample population of the inhabitants of Dominica, West Indies, a greater prevalence of hyperopia over myopia was found in all age groups, and in both genders. Males were more likely to be myopic than females, with the highest incidence occurring in the 20 to 39 year-old age range. Astigmatic errors were found in 36% of the population, with the most frequently found error being -0.500 (average of -0.880 overall) with an "against-the-rule" orientation. The majority of those above the age of 40 were considered to be in need of a presbyopic prescription. Most refractive errors in a pediatric population were in the +0.25 to less than +2.000 range (86.6% of these showing less than 1.000 of hyperopia). An estimated 31.8% of the children seen were believed to received benefit from eyeglasses. The importance of
vision screenings in pediatric populations is realized when considering the importance of vision in learning. A positive linear correlation with an increase in age (of those over 40) was found in the incidence of pterygia and dense cataract formation. Of the total number of referrals made to the local ophthalmologist, 48. 70/o were for cataract removal surgery. In the age group of 40 years old and up, 1.6% indicated they were being treated for glaucoma. A higher incidence of glaucoma may have been expected when considering the estimated incidence found in other black populations. An increase in the awareness of glaucoma and screening procedures may aid in detecting others with this blinding disease. It is hoped that the information contained in this study will be useful in caring for the people of Dominica,and that less people will suffer from undetected ocular conditions and/or anomalies.