Clinical Characteristics and Distribution of Amblyopia Among Children — A Hospital-Based Study in Sylhet

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Amblyopia is a leading cause of childhood visual impairment worldwide. Early diagnosis and management are critical to prevent permanent vision loss. However, data on the clinical characteristics and distribution of amblyopia in children from northeastern Bangladesh are scarce. Objective: To describe the clinical characteristics, types, severity, and distribution of amblyopia among children aged 5–15 years attending Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital. Methods & Materials: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 120 children with best corrected visual acuity ≤20/40 in one or both eyes. Data were collected through comprehensive ophthalmic examinations. Amblyopia was classified per the American Academy of Ophthalmology guidelines. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0. Results: Most participants (79.2%) were older than 10 years, with a male predominance (56.7%). Refractive amblyopia was the most common type (56.7%), followed by strabismic (24.2%), combined mechanism (12.5%), and deprivation amblyopia (6.6%). Moderate amblyopia was most prevalent (48.3%), and unilateral amblyopia accounted for 68.3% of cases. Hypermetropia (36.7%) was the leading refractive error, followed by myopia (31.7%) and astigmatism (20.8%). Only 15.8% had a positive family history, and 17.5% had prior vision screening. Conclusion: Refractive amblyopia predominates among children in this region, with late diagnosis and low screening rates highlighting the urgent need for early vision screening programs and increased community awareness to prevent long-term visual impairment.