Myopia rates among Hadza hunter‐gatherers are low but not exceptional

Objectives Myopia rates are increasing globally. This epidemic is linked to increased school participation, decreased outdoor activity and the proliferation of near-work occupations. The Tanzanian Hadza have traditionally subsisted as hunter-gatherers. School participation has historically been low otherwise minimal. Previous studies reported exceptionally myopia among hunter-gatherers, though such few. present study aims expand this dataset. We report compare them those from other economic/subsistence niches. look for temporal changes in eyesight, line with changing subsistence. Further, we assess impact two known risk factors, gender educational on eyesight. Materials Methods measured visual acuity 182 bush-living aged 10–75 using a non-Latin optotype. From these measures, estimate age-specific prevalences. Results find prevalences between 5% 10% individuals under 40, thereafter. compared industrialized populations, although not atypical rural non-industrialized populations. Unlike previous was rare. that men better distance vision than women. Though experienced subsistence change, no statistical evidence associated decreases 2006 2013/14 after controlling imbalances. Finally, support our prediction schooling reduces acuity, so few attended (13 58) analysis lacked power probably represents false negative.