Publication: Amblyopia among Patients Attending the Outpatient Department of Ophthalmology of a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study
Date
2022
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Nepal Medical Association
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction: Amblyopia is defined as a reduction in visual acuity unilaterally or bilaterally without any detectable cause. It is a major public health issue in developing and underdeveloped countries. Its prevalence is usually underestimated because of proper study and lack of awareness. The aim of the study was to find out the prevalence of amblyopia among patients attending the Outpatient Department of Ophthalmology of a tertiary care centre.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among outpatients visiting a tertiary care centre in the Outpatient Department of Ophthalmology between 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2019. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board (Registration number: 407/2020 P). All patients had gone through a comprehensive eye examination. Convenience sampling was used. Point estimate and 99% Confidence Interval were calculated.
Results: Among 82972 patients, prevalence of amblyopia was 344 (0.41%) (0.37-0.46, 99% Confidence Interval). Amblyopia was more common in anisometropia 263 (63.50%). A total of 117 (34%) patients had no history of eye examination and were newly diagnosed with amblyopia. Astigmatism was the most common type of refractive error among 224 (56.70%) amblyopic patients.
Conclusions: The prevalence of amblyopia was found to be lower than in previous studies conducted in similar settings. Early detection and diagnosis of amblyopia can help to design more effective plans and treatments to reduce amblyopia through optical correction and amblyopia therapy.
Description
Sikshya Adhikari
Department of Optometry, B.P. Eye Foundation, Hospital for Children, Eye, ENT, and Rehabilitation Services, Madhyapur Thimi, Bhaktapur, Nepal
Rinkal Suwal
Department of Optometry, B.P. Eye Foundation, Hospital for Children, Eye, ENT, and Rehabilitation Services, Madhyapur Thimi, Bhaktapur, Nepal
Basanta Singh
Department of Optometry, B.P. Eye Foundation, Hospital for Children, Eye, ENT, and Rehabilitation Services, Madhyapur Thimi, Bhaktapur, Nepal
Rashmi Shrestha
Department of Optometry, B.P. Eye Foundation, Hospital for Children, Eye, ENT, and Rehabilitation Services, Madhyapur Thimi, Bhaktapur, Nepal
Sudip Karki
Department of Optometry, B.P. Eye Foundation, Hospital for Children, Eye, ENT, and Rehabilitation Services, Madhyapur Thimi, Bhaktapur, Nepal
Bijay Khatri
Academic and Research Department, B.P. Eye Foundation, Hospital for Children, Eye, ENT, and Rehabilitation Services, Madhyapur Thimi, Bhaktapur, Nepal
Keywords
Amblyopia, Anisometropia, Astigmatism, Refractive errors