Impressions of eye diseases among Rhodesian Blacks in Mashonaland

Abstract

A study of ophthalmic patients at Harari Hospital indicates that Rhodesian Blacks in Mashonaland constitute a population with interesting ophthalmic features. There is a low incidence of refractive error, with a total incidence of 8,5% of myopia in adults. Functional concomitant squint is uncommon, with an incidence of 0,8% in children under 15 years of age. Non-traumatic, idiopathic primary retinal detachments occur rarely, while secondary retinal detachments occur with low frequency (about 0,55 per 100 000 population per year). Acute and painful congestive angle closure glaucoma is not seen, although chronic angle closure glaucoma is sometimes encountered. Hypertensive retinopathy is not infrequently seen, while diabetic retinopathy is uncommon. Visual loss and blindness from corneal disease are wide-spread. The population has a remarkably low incidence of senile macular degeneration (1,13% of adults over 65 years of age).