A clinic-based study of refractive errors, strabismus, and amblyopia in pediatric age-group
Elham R Al-Tamimi1, Ayisha Shakeel2, Sanaa A Yassin1
1Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Insights
This study found high rates of refractive errors, strabismus, and amblyopia in children at a Saudi Arabian eye clinic. Hypermetropia was the most common refractive error, unlike in other populations.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Eye Care
Background:
- Refractive errors, strabismus, and amblyopia are common pediatric eye conditions.
- Early detection and intervention are crucial for visual development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and patterns of refractive errors, strabismus, and amblyopia in children.
- To analyze data from a pediatric eye care center in Saudi Arabia.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional observational study conducted from March to July 2013.
- 1350 children aged 1-15 years underwent comprehensive ophthalmic examinations.
- Cycloplegic refraction was used to assess refractive errors.
Main Results:
- Refractive errors were present in 44.4% of children.
- Hypermetropia was the predominant refractive error (83%).
- Strabismus and amblyopia affected 38% and 9.1% of children, respectively.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights a high frequency of refractive errors, strabismus, and amblyopia in the studied pediatric population.
- The predominance of hypermetropia differs from other studies, potentially due to the clinic-based sample.
- Public education and school-based screenings are recommended for early detection.
Purpose:
The purpose of this cross-sectional observational study was to determine the distribution and patterns of refractive errors, strabismus, and amblyopia in children seen at a pediatric eye care.
Materials And Methods:
The study was conducted in a Private Hospital in Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from March to July 2013. During this period, a total of 1350 children, aged 1-15 years were seen at this Center's Pediatric Ophthalmology Unit. All the children underwent complete ophthalmic examination with cycloplegic refraction.
Results:
Refractive errors accounted for 44.4% of the cases, the predominant refractive error being hypermetropia which represented 83%. Strabismus and amblyopia were present in 38% and 9.1% of children, respectively.
Conclusions:
In this clinic-based study, the focus was on the frequency of refractive errors, strabismus, and amblyopia which were considerably high. Hypermetropia was the predominant refractive error in contrast to other studies in which myopia was more common. This could be attributed to the criteria for sample selection since it was clinic-based rather than a population-based study. However, it is important to promote public education on the significance of early detection of refractive errors, and have periodic screening in schools.
