Frequency of Amblyopia in Anisometropic Children 6-13 years age

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of amblyopia in anisometropic children 6-13 years age. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Outpatient clinic of department of Ophthalmology, Dow University Hospital and LRBT Hospital Karachi, Pakistan from January 2017 to April 2017. All children aged 6 to 13 years were enrolled. An assessment of visual acuity with Snellen's visual acuity table was conducted. Those who had visual acuity less than or equal to 6/9 or had a difference of two lines on Snellen's Chart between the two eyes were examined further with cycloplegic refraction with 1% cyclopentolate. Presence of amblyopia in these patients was noted. Results: Out of 65 children, majority were males (n=36, 55.4%) while 29 (44.6%) were females. All (100%) children were resident of Karachi city. In majority of the children, outdoor activities were found lower (n=9, 13.8%). Amblyopia was found in 39 (60%) of the children with anisometropia. Out of these 39 amblyopic children, right side was affected in 19 (48.7%), left eye in 15 (38.5%) while both eyes were affected in 5 (12.9%) children. A significant association of amblyopia was found with change in prescribe power (p-value <0.001) and family history of eye related disorders (p-value 0.046). Conclusion: Children with anisometropia have higher chance of amblyopia. Furthermore, change in prescribe power and family history of eye related disorders are significant factors causing amblyopia in children with anisometropia.

Keywords

• anisometropia, amblyopia, children