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Updated: Feb 8, 2026
The Measurement and Treatment of Suppression in Amblyopia
Published on: December 14, 2012
Community outreach: An indicator for assessment of prevalence of amblyopia
Damaris Magdalene1, Harsha Bhattacharjee1, Mitalee Choudhury1
1Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Services, Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya, Guwahati, Assam, India.
Insights
This study found a 1.75% prevalence of amblyopia in children aged 6 months to 16 years in Kamrup, India. Refractive amblyopia was the most common cause, highlighting the need for parental awareness for early detection and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Ophthalmology
- Public Health
Background:
- Amblyopia, or "lazy eye," is a leading cause of preventable visual impairment in children.
- Early detection and intervention are crucial for successful treatment outcomes.
- Understanding the prevalence and causes of amblyopia in specific populations is essential for targeted public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence, magnitude, and causes of amblyopia in children aged 6 months to 16 years.
- To investigate the specific types and etiological factors contributing to amblyopia in the studied population.
- To provide data for developing targeted interventions and public health initiatives in the Kamrup district, Assam, India.
Main Methods:
- A door-to-door screening of 39,651 children aged 6 months to 16 years was conducted in Kamrup district, Assam.
- Children failing visual acuity tests underwent further assessment, including cycloplegic refraction and ophthalmic examination at a tertiary eye care institute.
- Axial length measurement and corneal topography were utilized for children with high refractive errors.
Main Results:
- The overall prevalence of amblyopia was 1.75% (692 cases out of 39,651 children).
- Refractive amblyopia was the most frequent cause (45.29%), followed by deprivation and strabismic amblyopia in younger children.
- Amblyopia was more prevalent in males (52.50%) and the 11-16 year age group (63.58%).
Conclusions:
- Refractive errors are the primary driver of amblyopia in this pediatric population.
- Targeted screening and early intervention programs are vital to mitigate childhood visual impairment.
- Increased parental awareness regarding amblyopia is crucial for timely diagnosis and effective management, reducing the long-term burden of visual deficits.
Purpose:
To study the prevalence, determine the magnitude, and cause of amblyopia among the children aged 6 months to 16 years in Kamrup district, Assam, India.
Methods:
Among a total of 39,651 children between 6 months and 16 years of age, door-to-door screening was conducted by trained workers. For children above 5 years of age who failed to read the 6/9 line, camps were conducted in the nearby schools. Children below 5 years of age were directly referred to the tertiary eye care institute. After visual acuity assessment at the institute, cycloplegic refraction and complete ophthalmic examination were done to rule out other causes of diminution of vision. Axial length measurement and corneal topography were performed in children with high refractive errors.
Results:
Of the total 39,651 children screened, 469 were diagnosed to have amblyopia at the camp and 223 were diagnosed at the institute. The prevalence of amblyopia was 1.75%. Amblyopia was more common among the males (52.50%) as compared to females. Maximum number of patients were found in the age group of 11-16 (63.58%). Refractive amblyopia was found to be the most common cause of amblyopia (45.29%). In children below 5 years, deprivation amblyopia and strabismic amblyopia were more common.
Conclusion:
Awareness of amblyopia among the parents is essential for early detection and treatment of the disease, which will, in turn, reduce the burden of childhood visual impairment.
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