Ocular Findings in Brazilian Native Indians of Xingú: Initial Results

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose:To evaluate ocular health and major causes of visual impairment in a population of Native Indians located at central Brazil (Xingú). Methods:Indians were evaluated at an examining room located in health center of two tribes of the National Indian Park of Xingú (Diauarum and Pavuru). Two expeditions have being organized and were formed by first–year residents of ophthalmology. Exam included: uncorrected visual acuity (near and distance), biomicroscopy, aplanation tonometry, binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy, cycloplegic (1% tropicamide) and manifest auto refraction (Welch Allyn Auto refractor). Results:In this two first expeditions 248 Indians (496 eyes) from 25 different tribes were evaluated. Distance uncorrected visual acuity was at least 20/40 and 20/20 in 394 and 291 eyes, respectively. Thirty–eight Indians presented near uncorrected visual acuity worse than J3 (average 52,9 years–old). Nuclear cataract was present in 88 eyes and varied from mild to severe opacification. One hundred seventy four eyes underwent binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy and 19 (10,92%) presented pigmented retinal scars presumably due to toxoplasmosis. One patient presented active retinochoroiditis in one eye and pigmented scar in the fellow eye. Seventy–four eyes presented myopic cycloplegic auto refraction of at least –1.00 sph (spherical equivalent), 10 of these eyes presented uncorrected visual acuity worse than 20/20 without any other cause for decrease visual acuity and were considered myopes. Conclusions:Cataract is a relevant cause of visual impairment among this population. Prevalence of retinal scars due to toxoplasmosis is comparable of many populations in Brazil. Myopia is rare in the studied population. This study should follow with other expeditions to increase the number of patients evaluated and improve the accuracy of the results observed.

Keywords: clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: prevalence/incidence