A retrospective analysis of children with anisometropic amblyopia in Nepal
1University of Minho , Portugal.
Insights
The depth of amblyopia in children is strongly linked to the type and severity of refractive error and the degree of anisometropia. Early vision screening is crucial for timely detection and management of anisometropic amblyopia.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Ophthalmology
- Vision Science
Background:
- Anisometropia, a significant cause of amblyopia, necessitates understanding its relationship with amblyopia depth.
- Early detection and management of anisometropic amblyopia are critical for visual development in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the depth of amblyopia and the magnitude of anisometropia in children.
- To analyze factors influencing amblyopia depth, including age, gender, laterality, refractive error type/magnitude, and anisometropia magnitude.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective record review of children diagnosed with unilateral anisometropic amblyopia (aged ≤13 years) at Nepal Eye Hospital (2006-2011).
- Exclusion criteria included strabismus and ocular pathology.
- Statistical analysis of associations between amblyopia depth and various clinical parameters.
Main Results:
- A total of 189 children with unilateral anisometropic amblyopia were analyzed; 59% were boys, and the left eye was more commonly affected.
- Amblyopia depth showed significant associations with the type and magnitude of refractive error in the amblyopic eye, and the magnitude of anisometropia.
- No significant associations were found between amblyopia depth and the age, gender, or laterality of the amblyopic eye.
Conclusions:
- Nepalese children with anisometropic amblyopia often present late for treatment.
- The depth of amblyopia is significantly correlated with refractive error characteristics and the degree of anisometropia.
- Implementing basic vision screening programs can aid in early identification and referral of children with anisometropia for timely management.
Purpose:
Anisometropia is one of the main causes of amblyopia. This study was conducted to investigate the association between the depth of amblyopia and the magnitude of anisometropia.
Methods:
A retrospective record review was conducted at the Nepal Eye Hospital between July 2006 and June 2011. Those children included in this study were aged ≤13 years and diagnosed with unilateral anisometropic amblyopia, no strabismus and ocular pathology. Associations between the depth of amblyopia and the age and/or gender of the subjects, the laterality of the amblyopic eyes, the type and magnitude of refractive error of amblyopic eyes, and the magnitude of anisometropia were statistically analyzed.
Results:
Out of the 189 children with unilateral anisometropic amblyopia (mean age 9.1 ± 2.8 years), 59% were boys. Amblyopia was more commonly found in left eye (p < 0.001). The most common type of refractive error was astigmatism (61%). The depth of amblyopia was not associated with the gender (p = 0.864) or age (p = 0.341) of the subjects or the laterality of the eyes (p = 0.159), but it was associated with the type (p = 0.049) and magnitude (p = 0.013) of refractive error of the amblyopic eye and the magnitude of anisometropia (p = 0.002).
Conclusion:
Nepalese anisometropic amblyopic children were presented late to hospital. The depth of amblyopia was highly associated with the type and magnitude of refractive error of the amblyopic eye and the magnitude of anisometropia. So, basic vision screening programs may help to find out the anisometropic children and reefer them to the hospital for timely management of anisometropic amblyopia if present.
