Associations of refractive amblyopia in a population of Iranian children

Abstract

Background: To determine the factors associated with amblyopia in a referral clinical population. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 164 subjects who were referred to an amblyopia clinic were enrolled and divided into two groups: refractive amblyopia group and refractive non-amblyopia group. Visual acuity, refractive measurements, and information on birth parameter and delivery mode were compared between both groups. Results: We included 164 children (91 children in the non-amblyopic group and 73 children in the amblyopic group) aged 5–10 years. 50.6% of children with amblyopia had anisometropia, defined as a difference among eyes in spherical equivalent of 1.00 D or more. The regression analysis revealed that amblyopia was strongly associated with hyperopia ≥2.00 D (odds ratio, 10.0; 95% CI, 3.27–30.58), anisometropia ≥1.00 D (odds ratio, 7.78; 95% CI, 3.64–16.61), astigmatism ≥1.00 D (odds ratio, 5.23; 95% CI, 2.48–11.02), and myopia ≥−2 D (odds ratio, 6.96; 95% CI, 1.9–25.28). There were also significant associations of amblyopia with low birth weight (≤2500 g), preterm birth (≤37 weeks), and dystocia (all P < 0.001). Conclusion: Prematurity, low birth weight, and dystocia as well as refractive errors were associated with amblyopia in our select patient population.

Keywords

• Refractive amblyopia
• Preterm
• Low birth weight
• Dystocia