The effect of amblyopia on educational activities of students aged 9 - 15

Abstract

Amblyopia is an illness with reduced vision and a number of students are affected with this disease. To determine any association of amblyopia with educational activities, sport and social activities of students involved by amblyopia, this study was carried on. This study was conducted at Boali Hospital in Gazvin, Iran: A total of 110 patients 9 to 15 years (54.5% female and 45.5% male; mean age: 13.7 ± 3.2) with amblyopia (20/25 - 20/400) due to strabismus and/or refractive errors, and that persisted after treatment with spectacles. All children wore eyeglasses containing their refractive correction (based on cycloplegic autorefractor measurements, refined or confirmed by cycloplegic retinoscopy or subjective refinement) for acuity testing. The results indicated that, 25 (22.73%) patients with strabismus amblyopia, 40 (36.36%) patients anisometropic amblyopia, 22 (20%) patients ametropic amblyopia, 18 (16.36%) patients with strabismic mixed with anisometropia and 5 (4.55) with deprived amblyopia. Parent’s knowledge about meaning of amblyopia and amblyopia-related phenomena in 50 (45.5%) of patiens was very low. The educational level in 45 (41%) of parents were reported to be primary school, 40 (36.3%) higher school and university degrees 25 (22.7%). The sport activity in 35 (31.8%) of patients with amblyopia was very low and in 14 (12.7%) higher than others. In a comparison with other students, the educational qualification in 18 (16.4%) was very low, 35 (32%) the as equal as others and 27 (24.5%) higher than their classmate. Visual acuity with the best correction, in 75 (67%) of patients was 20/25, in 30 (27.27%) patients 20/40 or worse and in 5 (4.5%) of them 20/200 or worse. Poor eyesight and amblyopia can influence on learning, sport and social activity, and performance in school, as well as restrict choice in profession and hobbies. The parent’s knowledge of amblyopia is high efficiency of treatment of the amblyopia patient’s morale.