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Ophthalmic dysfunction in a community-based sample: influence of race/ethnicity
Girardin Jean-Louis1, Ferdinand Zizi, Monica Dweck
1Department of Ophthalmology (Box 58), SUNY Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11203-2098, USA. gjean-louis@downstate.edu
Journal of the National Medical Association
|March 21, 2007
Summary
Black and white individuals exhibit distinct ophthalmic measures, including nerve fiber layer thickness. Furthermore, intraethnic variations within Black populations, such as between Caribbean and African Americans, were observed in nerve fiber layer thickness.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Ocular Biometry
- Ethnic Variations in Health
Background:
- Limited research exists on ethnic variations in standard ophthalmic measurements.
- This study investigated potential differences in nerve fiber layer thickness between white and Black individuals.
- Intraethnic differences in ophthalmic measures were also explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis of characteristic differences in nerve fiber layer thickness between white and Black individuals.
- To examine whether ophthalmic measures exhibit intraethnic differences.
- To contribute to understanding ethnic variations in ophthalmic health.
Main Methods:
- Seventy participants (59% Black, 41% White, mean age 68.27 years) were recruited from Brooklyn.
- Sociodemographic and medical data were collected.
- Participants underwent comprehensive eye examinations.
Main Results:
- Black individuals showed significantly worse visual acuity and larger cup-to-disk ratios compared to white individuals.
- Black individuals exhibited significantly thinner nerve fiber layer thickness than white individuals.
- Within the Black ethnicity, Caribbean Americans had significantly thinner nerve fiber layer than African Americans.
Conclusions:
- The findings align with previous reports on racial/ethnic differences in ophthalmic measures.
- Black ethnicity may not be uniform concerning ophthalmic variables, especially nerve fiber layer thickness.
- Future studies on ethnic differences in eye diseases should consider intragroup factors.
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