Some physiological and psychological characteristics of myopic and non-myopic young men

As a part of a research project on the health and functional capacity of men at different ages a comparison of selected physiological and psychological characteristics of myopic and non-myopic 31-35 year-old men was made. The random sample studied consisted of 31 myopic and 100 non-myopic men. It was found that the body mass index and fat content were lower among the myopic than among the non-myopic. No significant differences were found in the elastic properties of skin, in blood pressure or in haematological assays studied between the groups. With respect to physical performance it was observed that the myopic had a higher aerobic capacity whereas there were no significant differences in muscular strength between the groups. In the psychological functions the myopic had a higher level in certain tests of intelligence. In the ophthalmological examination there were no significant differences between the groups in corrected vision, in eye tension and in dark adaptation. The amplitude of accommodation was 0.6-0.9 D. wider among the myopic. The results indicated some differences in physical and psychological characteristics between myopic and non-myopic young men. The differences could mainly be explained by differences in education and in physical activity during leisure.