AIM: To compare the biometry data of cataractous eyes of the African people and the Chinese.

METHODS: The ocular components of 60 African people(60 eyes)and 60 Chinese(60 eyes)were examined using keratometry(corneal curvature), ultrasonography(axial dimensions).

RESULTS: The average ages were 67.6±16.4 years(the African people)and 64.7±11.5 years(the Chinese). The averages of vertical corneal curvature were 43.03±0.63D(African)and 44.66±1.73D(Chinese). The averages of horizontal corneal curvature(±SD)were 42.70±0.8D(African)and 43.75±1.80D(Chinese). The average axial dimensions were 22.81±0.88mm(the African people)and 23.15±0.86mm(the Chinese). The average intraocular lens(IOL)powers were 22.88±1.84D(the African people)and 21.55±1.67D(the Chinese).

CONCLUSION: The corneal curvature,axial dimensions and IOL power of the African people and the Chinese has obvious difference.