Genetics of epidermal ridges: a study in subjects with refractive errors.

The dermatoglyphic characteristics of subjects with refractive errors when compared with control group revealed significant differences in both qualitative and quantitative parameters. The loops were increased in male myopics; the whorls were increased in male hypermetropics and astigmatics and the arches were decreased in all types of refractive errors in males. However, the whorls were decreased in female hypermetropics only. The mean total ridge count was significantly higher in male astigmatics only. As regards pattern intensity (fingers) no significant difference in the mean value was observed in either sex with any type of refractive errors when compared with those of controls.