Amblyopia: Unveiling a Silent Public Health Issue

Abstract Amblyopia (lazy eye) is a leading cause of preventable visual impairment in children, where one eye fails to achieve normal visual acuity. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss. The survey assesses its prevalence in children, aiming to raise awareness of early detection to prevent long-term visual issues. This descriptive survey was conducted in Tetouan, Morocco, on pediatric patients (< 16), who came for visual disturbances, between July 2022 and July 2023. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmological examination with refraction measurements. It included 714 children, 390 girls and 324 boys. 45% of the children were consulting an ophthalmologist for the first time. The study revealed 39.5% cases of amblyopia. The visual disorder was suspected by parents in 46% of cases, and by schools in 41%. The amblyopic child only reported it themselves in 9% of cases. The average age was 8 years. 54% of the amblyopic children were over 8 years old, and 14% were over 12 years old. Examination identified hyperopia in 58% of amblyopic children and myopia in 37%. Results reveal the high prevalence of amblyopia in early childhood. Amblyopia often goes unnoticed, so this finding highlights the need for early screening in children. Parents are often the first to notice signs of visual problems, but schools are also essential in identifying learning difficulties. Children, however, may not be aware of the visual impairment, making the amblyopia go unnoticed for a long time. This emphasizes the importance of routine eye exams. The fact that more than half of the children were over 8 (and 14% over 12) raises concerns, as amblyopia can become more challenging to treat at this stage. Therefore, incorporating early vision screening into primary school programs and routine pediatric checkups should be a public health priority to prevent long-term visual impairment. Key messages • Amblyopia is highly prevalent and often undetected; early childhood screening is essential to prevent irreversible visual impairment. • Parental and school-based detection play a critical role, supporting the integration of routine vision checks into pediatric and educational systems.