Amblyopia in Black Children: as seen in University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria
C. S. Ejimadu *
Department of Surgery, Faculty of clinical sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
N. I. Paul
Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of clinical sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Amblyopia is a common cause of visual impairment in children with uncorrected refractive errors, so screening and treatment should be carried out as early as possible to prevent permanent visual loss.
Objective: To determine the prevalence of amblyopia among individuals less than 18years with refractive errors presenting to the Ophthalmology clinic of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH).
Methods: Children with refractive errors presenting at UPTH over a period of 2 years were studied. Their bio-data and relevant medical and ocular history were obtained. Their visual acuity was measured and standard ophthalmic examination was done for the anterior segment with a pen torch and slit lamp bio-microscope. The posterior segment was examined with Welch Allen direct ophthalmoscope. All the children in the study were refracted using the appropriate techniques.
Result: A total of 306 children with refractive errors were studied, out of which 110 (36%) were males and 196 (64%) were females. Of these children, 204 (66.7%) had astigmatism, 68 (22.2%) had Myopia, 23(7.5%) had hypermetropia and 11(3.6%) had inconclusive refraction. Two hundred and seventy eight (90.8%) of these children with refractive errors had optimal correction by refraction while 17(5.6%) had developed amblyopia. All the children who had amblyopia were between 13 and 18years; five (29.5%) were males while twelve (70.5%) were females which is statistically significant (p=0.00001).
Conclusion: The prevalence of amblyopia among children with refractive error is high and therefore early screening and intervention is important to prevent permanent visual loss.
Keywords: Amblyopia, black children, teaching hospital, Nigeria