BACKGROUND : Amblyopia (lazy eye) is the second most common cause of functional low vision in children in developing countries. Amblyopia is an important health problem because it causes profound and lifelong visual impairment. The latest meta-analysis article established 99.2 million people with amblyopia in 2019 worldwide. Understanding the prevalence rate of amblyopia is important for adequate health care planning. This article aims to determine the prevalence of amblyopia and its distribution among school going children in Kallur PHC area.
METHODS : A cross sectional study was conducted in 3432 school going children in field practice area of MRHRU. Demographic data, visual acuity, and detailed ophthalmic examination including anterior segment and posterior segment examination were done.
RESULTS : Prevalence of amblyopia was close to 1 %, with the predominant cause of amblyopia was due to refractive errors, anisometric amblyopia was 89% and strabismic amblyopia 6% and mixed amblyopia was also in equal numbers.
CONCLUSION : The uncorrected refractive error for long time leads to amblyopia. The main complication of amblyopia is an irreversible, lifelong decrease in vision. Parents should be educated on the importance of early vision assessment for their children and the need for follow-up to prevent amblyopia. Screening and providing early treatment for the children with refractive error significantly reduces the load of amblyopia.