Amblyopia in Black Children: as seen in University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

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.