Frequency of retinal changes in myopia in a black population

Retinal detachment is the main complication of peripheral retinal lesions in myopia but seems rare in black people. We analysed peripheral retinal changes in myopia in a black population. This study was conducted by a single ophthalmologist. The tests included a refraction, a retinal biomicroscopy (with a Volk lens and a 3-mirror Goldmann lens) and an indirect ophthalmoscopy. The results were compared by a chi square test. 50 people (100 eyes) were available for examination. The mean age was 28.21 years, the two extremes being at 11 and 54 years, with 68% females and 32% males. In 50 eyes the spheric equivalent was between -1 and -5.75 diopters (group I). In 50 eyes the spheric equivalent was greater than or equal to -6 diopters (group II). Snow was found in 16% of cases in group I and 34% of cases in group II (p = 0.0366). Tears were found in 2% of cases in group I and 12% of cases in group II (p = 0.116). Lattice degeneration was found only in group II. Retinal tear frequency was similar to the results of other authors. Comparative studies are necessary to evaluate the risk of retinal detachment in black populations.