Myopia among the Inuit population of East Greenland. Longitudinal Study 1950-1994.
OBJECTIVE
To follow the refraction values in an indigenous population group over the course of the past 50 years.


METHODS
Case records from a population investigation carried out in Ammasalik, East Greeland, by Erik Skeller in 1950 were studied initially, a total of 1123 eyes were examined by sciascopy and 244 eyes could be followed sufficiently until about 1990-94.


RESULTS
The mean refraction was initially +0.08 D, while at the last examination the mean had increased to +0.69 D. Initially, there was no myopia, defined as at least -1.5 D, and at follow-up it was a maximum of 1%, and presumably due to immature cataract. A tendency to myopia (< -1.5 D) was found initially in 36%, but in only 22% at follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
The myopinizing factor in East Greenland has not affected persons born prior to 1942, even if they had a tendency to myopia (< -1.5 D).
Norn
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006116:Greenland / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D004930:Inuit; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009216:Myopia / Q000208:ethnology*; D012029:Refraction, Ocular