Interprofessional Journal of Health Sciences. Vol.11 No.1 , January - June 2013.

STRABISMUS AND AMBLYOPIA IN THAILAND

Watanee Jenchitr, Matee Jaradaroonchay, and Nattanan Sakulsiritiwakorn

Abstract

Background :  Strabismus and amblyopia are major causes of childhood visual impairment especially in remote areas where eye screening is not available. Delay in diagnosis and treatment impairs development in children, impedes their education and reduces their workmanship, which seriously affects their self-confidence and limits  potential socioeconomic status.
Objective : To determine the prevalence of strabismus and amblyopia in the Thai population.
Method :  Data from a cross-sectional population based study, stratified cluster random sampling in 22 provinces, including Bangkok was assessed. The eye examinations included visual acuity, evaluation of ocular alignment, refractive errors and fundus examination.
Results : From 21,711 samples, adjusted for gender and age of population, the prevalence of strabismus was 1.42%, of which 15.63% had amblyopia. From an estimated total number of 890,413 cases of strabismus, 237 were blind (based on WHO criteria). Amblyopia prevalence was 0.69%, 19.80% of which were caused by strabismus. From an estimated total number of 431,013 cases of amblyopia, no cases of blindness were found. Conclusion: Amblyopia is the most common cause of monocular visual impairment in children.  While the prevalence of strabismus causing amblyopia in the Thai population is not high, cost effective treatments are available which should be implemented at the pre-school level.  Diagnosis of strabismus and amblyopia after 7-8 years of age can lead to permanent visual loss.  Program guidelines for pre-school and elementary school vision screening should be set up.  The cost benefits of screening will be realized through prevention of blindness and other visual impairments.

Keywords: strabismus, amblyopia, national survey of visual impairment

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