Corneal topography of humans with congenital nystagmus.

The refractive status of individuals with congenital nystagmus (albinos and idiopaths) has been examined. Our results indicate that there is a greater than normal incidence of high spectacle astigmatism. This is predominantly with-the-rule and corneal in origin (anterior surface). Partial neutralization by the against-the-rule residual astigmatism is frequent and does not differ significantly from that reported for normal populations. Topographical studies of the anterior corneal surface revealed that there was no statistically significant difference in the mean shape factor values for the albino, idiopath and control populations. The aetiology of the astigmatism is discussed.