Dermatoglyphic Patterns and Their Association with Myopia among Secondary School Students in Sagamu, Nigeria: A Cross-sectional Analysis

Abstract

Aim: Fingerprint patterns, influenced by both genetic and prenatal factors, serve as unique dermatoglyphic marker. Concurrently, myopia, a growing public health concern, disproportionately affects children and young adults. Recognizing parallels in the developmental pathways of dermal ridges and ocular structures, researchers have embarked on elucidating potential shared genetic or environmental networks. This study investigated the relationship between fingerprint patterns and myopia among secondary school students in Nigeria. Study Design: Study sample consisted of 100 participants from the Junior Secondary student population of Integrity High School, Sagamu, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Fingerprint data were collected using standard ink and paper methods, while myopia was identified utilizing the Snellen’s chart and refractive error lenses. Statistical analysis employed was Pearson chi-square correlation at a significance level of p < 0.05. Results:  Analysis revealed ulnar loop pattern as the most commonly found fingerprint pattern with 57% and 59% in male and female students respectively. However, chi-square correlation analysis unveiled noteworthy distinctions: myopic males exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of arch patterns in the right thumb (28.6%) compared to non-myopic counterparts (7%). Conversely, non-myopic males displayed a significantly higher occurrence of whorl patterns (23%) in both right and left hands compared to myopic peers (5.7%). Conclusions: This study contributes to existing research affirming dermatoglyphics as morphological biomarkers, particularly in myopic males. Adding novel specificity of the right thumb as a distinctive marker. These findings underscore the potential utility of fingerprint analysis in identifying individuals at risk of myopia. Further investigation with larger sample is warranted to validate these preliminary results.