PREVALENCE OF AMBLYOPIA IN SCHOOL CHILDREN IN MASHHAD

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of amblyopia and its determinants in students of region 1 in Mashhad, 2006. Methods: Using randomized cluster sampling, 2510 students were selected to undergo ophthalmologic examinations. Amblyopia was defined as corrected visual acuity of 8/10 or less in either eye. Results: Of the 2510 selected student, 2150 were examined (85.6% participation rate). The prevalence of amblyopia was 1.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.94 to 2.9) including 2.1% in female and 1.7% in male subjects (P=0.620). Amblyopia was detected in right eye in 31.7%, left eye in 41.5% and both eyes in 26.8%. About 66% of amblyopic cases had refractive errors. Conclusion: The prevalence of amblyopia in students of region 1 in Mashhad is comparable to that of other parts of the country. Refractive error is a significant risk factor for occurring amblyopia.