Ocular refraction and inbreeding: a population study in Newfoundland

Abstract

For 926 persons aged 5 years and over, a large majority of the population of three western Newfoundland communities, associations of ocular refraction with inbreeding (Wright's F) have been evaluated. Some evidence was found among children of a tendency towards myopia with increasing homozygosity and a strong such tendency in the elderly (over 60) was found. No relationship of refraction to F was apparent for persons aged 15–60 years. When the strong relationship of refraction value to nearwork activity was taken into account the relationship to F was enhanced.