Abstract

Aim: This study measured the prevalence of amblyopia in preschool and school children between 4 and 15 years of age in Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina and as well and to examine its relations with anisometropia and strabismus. Methods: Children from eight daycare centers and twenty four elementary schools were screened for amblyopia by volunteer personnel (medical students), any child who failed to pass the screening examination, was referred to the ophthalmologist for complete examination at University Clinic Center Tuzla. The examination included VA, stereopsis, cover testing, refractive retinoscopy, and examination of the red reflex and posterior pole. Results: Total of 7415 children, which included 3790 males and 3625 females, in the age range of 3 to 15 years from 24 schools and 8 preschool were screened. Fifty night children (1.9%) were diagnosed with amblyopia, unilateral in 28 and bilateral in 31. Conclusion: Prevalence of significant refractive errors is high enough to justify a school eye screening program solely for this purpose. preschool and school screening program in children in critical period of development of amblyopia must be conducted to find out the ametropias and amblyopia in time; and treat them earlier.

Key words: Amblyopia, visual acuity, screening program.