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Amblyopia screening for first and second-grade children in Jordan
Khalil M Al-Salem1, Mohammad S Saleem1, Ismat Ereifej2
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Mutah University, Al-Karak 11183, Jordan.
International Journal of Ophthalmology
|February 21, 2022
Summary
A national screening found 2.78% of Jordanian school children have amblyopia, often due to hypermetropia. Early detection and intervention are crucial for preventing vision impairment in children.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Ophthalmology
- Public Health
Background:
- Amblyopia, or 'lazy eye', affects visual development in children.
- Early detection and intervention are critical for successful treatment.
- National screening programs are essential for identifying at-risk populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the findings of a nationwide amblyopia screening program in school-aged children in northern Jordan.
- To determine the prevalence and causes of amblyopia in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Prospective national screening of 17,203 first and second-grade students (ages 6-7).
- Eye examinations included visual acuity, cover-uncover test, and cycloplegic retinoscopy.
- Amblyopia defined by best-corrected visual acuity differences or thresholds.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of amblyopia was 2.78% (479 children).
- Hypermetropia was the leading cause (64.45%), followed by ocular surgeries (15.1%), myopia (10.43%), and strabismus (9.39%).
Conclusions:
- This study identifies modifiable risk factors for amblyopia in Jordanian children.
- Many children are affected by amblyopia and go undiagnosed during early elementary years.
- Enhanced governmental screening efforts are recommended to improve vision outcomes in Jordan.
