Anterior chamber depths of Nigerians.

Anterior chamber depths of 1,646 eyes of 823 Nigerians were measured to determine the distribution of chamber depths in Nigerians, and to compare the findings with previous observations in Caucasians. The persons examined included normal subjects and other groups with ocular pathology, such as glaucoma. The mean chamber depth in normal persons was 3.23 mm. Anterior chambers were deeper in males than females and significant shallowing occurred with age. Mean chamber depths were less in glaucomatous eyes than normotensive eyes. When compared with previous studies in Caucasians no significant differences could be found in the two ethnic groups. It was concluded that the alleged differences in the incidence of angle closure glaucoma in Caucasians and Negroes is not due to differences in the anterior chamber depths in the two groups.