Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026
Stereoacuity Improvement using Random-Dot Video Games
Published on: January 14, 2020
Clinical profile of amblyopia in Pakistani children age 3 to 14 years
Mufarriq Shah1, Muhammad Tariq Khan, Muhammad Daud Khan
1Department of Ophthalmology, Khyber Institute of Ophthalmic Medical Sciences (KIOMS), Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar. mufarriq1@hotmail.com
Insights
This study on childhood amblyopia found strabismic and anisometropic amblyopia to be most common. Early screening for refractive errors in school children is crucial for timely intervention.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Ophthalmology
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Amblyopia, or "lazy eye," is a common cause of visual impairment in children.
- Early detection and intervention are critical for effective treatment outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical characteristics of amblyopia in children aged 3 to 14 years.
- To identify the prevalence of different types of amblyopia in the pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study involving 316 children aged 3 to 14 years.
- Visual acuity assessed using Snellen and Lea symbols charts.
- Comprehensive eye examinations including cycloplegic refraction and orthoptic assessment.
Main Results:
- The study included 316 children, with a mean age of 8 years.
- Strabismic amblyopia (120 children) and anisometropic amblyopia (136 children) were the most prevalent types.
- Combined mechanism amblyopia (strabismus and anisometropia) affected 60 children.
Conclusions:
- The findings highlight the significance of refractive error and amblyopia screening in school-aged children.
- Further prospective studies are recommended to understand the magnitude, causes, and optimal treatment timing for amblyopia.
Objective:
To study the clinical profile of amblyopia in children age 3 to 14 years.
Design:
A cohort study.
Place And Duration Of Study:
The study was conducted over a period of two years from June 2001 to June 2003 at Khyber Institute of Ophthalmic Medical Sciences, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan.
Patients And Methods:
This study included 316 children. Visual acuity was tested with Snellen type and Lea symbols chart according to the level of cooperation of the children. Cycloplegic refraction and orthoptic assessment was performed on all children.
Results:
One hundred and eighty-two children were between 3 to 8 years age and 134 were between 8 to 14 years. Mean age was 8 years. One hundred and twenty children had strabismic amblyopia, 136 children had anisometropic amblyopia, while 60 children had combined mechanism amblyopia (strabismus and anisometropia both).
Conclusion:
The results indicate the importance of screening school-going children for refractive error and amblyopia and the importance of a future prospective study on the magnitude, cause and treatment of amblyopia at more treatable age.
