Prevalence of amblyopia in ametropias in a clinical set-up.

OBJECTIVE To find out prevalence of amblyopia in ametropias in a clinical set-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this retrospective clinical study children from 4-5 years age group to the young adults who attended the eye clinic in one year period were included after taking history, VA test by Snellen's Vision Chart, cycloplegic refraction by streak retinoscope in children and wet or dry retinospcopy in young adults; and a thorough anterior and posterior segment eye examinations by slit lamp biomicroscope and ophthalmoscope to exclude structural abnormality of the eye or the posterior visual pathway defects. A total of 970 eye patients having diminution of vision with ametropias were identified and patients having reduction of visual acuity of greater than two lines between the eyes or an absolute reduction in acuity below 6/9 either eye in snellen's vision chart which cannot be corrected by refraction were enrolled to find out prevalence of amblyopia. RESULTS Out of 970 ametropic eye patients amblyopia was present in 56 patients (5.97%) with anisometropias and high bilateral ametropias. The prevalence of amblyopia according to types of ametropias are: hyperopia 6 (10.71%), myopia 2 (3.57%), myopic astigmatism 31 (55.36%), hyperopic astigmatism 11 (19.64%) and mixed astigmatism 6 (10.71%). Sex distribution of amblyopia is male 32 (57.14%) and female 24 (42.86%). Laterality of amblyopia shows: monocular 40 (71.43%) and binocular 16 (28.57%). CONCLUSION Out of 970 ametropic eye patients a total of 56 (5.97%) patients have amblyopia. A preschool and school screening program in children in critical period of development of amblyopia must be conducted to find out the ametropias and amblyopia in time; and treat them earlier, by optical correction and amblyopia therapy, effectively and adequately.