Ocular biometry and determinants of refractive error in a founder population of European ancestry

ABSTRACTBackground: The prevalence of myopia is increasing worldwide. Previous studies have found a positive association between myopia, education, and near activities, while others have noted a negative association with outdoor exposure. This study reports refractive error and biometry in a founder population of European ancestry, the Hutterites, and discusses risk factors contributing to myopia.Methods: Cross-sectional study, including complete eye exams with retinoscopy and biometry.Results: 939 study participants, ages 6 to 89, were examined. Females were significantly more myopic than males (SE −0.87 ± 2.07 and −0.40 ± 1.49 in females and males, respectively, p < 0.0001). Males had significantly longer axial lengths. Females had steeper corneas. This is the first epidemiological report of refractive error among the Hutterites.Discussion: As a genetically isolated population with a communal lifestyle, the Hutterites present a unique opportunity to study risk factors for myopia. Hutterite females are m...