Prevalence of Amblyopia and Patterns of Refractive Error in the Amblyopic in School Going Children -A Prospective Study

Abstract

Background: Aim of current study, the Prevalence of amblyopia and patterns of refractive error in the amblyopic in school going children
Methods: The prospective study was carried out at the Shri Aurobindo Medical Research Centre in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India, in the department of ophthalmology. A study involving children aged 5 to 15 was carried out between April 2020 and May 2021. Results: There were 830 pupils enrolled into this study, but only 67 (8.07%) met the criteria for amblyopia diagnosis. There were 38 males (56.71%) and 29 females (43.28%) students, The Mean age range was, males 7.87 ± 2.970 years, and female 7.97± 2.666. Refractive amblyopia accounted for 38 (56.71%) of cases of amblyopia, with strabismus 18 (26.86%), visual deprivation 7 (10.44%), and mixed or combined causes 4 (5.97%), the least common causes. Anisometropic amblyopia accounted for 29 instances (76.31%) and isometric amblyopia for 9 cases (23.68%) of refractive amblyopia. 53 cases (79.10%) had unilateral amblyopia, while 14 cases (20.89%) had bilateral amblyopia Conclusions: According to current study, 8.07% of school going children had amblyopia. Nearly 38 (56.71%) of cases of amblyopia were of the most prevalent form, known as refractive amblyopia. It is advised to identify children who are at risk of developing amblyopia and to conduct routine eye exams on each kid at birth, when they first enter school, and at least every two years. In addition, parents to be made aware of refractive defects and the importance of having them corrected as soon as possible.