Parents' perceptions about amblyopia, its causes, symptoms, risk factors, treatment options, and the importance of follow-up, and to evaluate their awareness regarding the consequences and critical complications

Abstract EN

Objective: The aim of this study is to assess parents’ perceptions about amblyopia, its causes, symptoms, risk factors, treatment options, and the importance of follow-up, and to evaluate their awareness regarding the consequences and critical complications.

Design: Cross sectional Methods: In this cross - sectional study data was collected by the purposely constructed questionnaire.

Questionnaire composed of the demographic items and items related to amblyopia.

Questionnaire was constructed after the series of discussions between the panel of experts this panel composed of from subject specialist, researcher, language expert.

Cronbach alpha of the questionnaire was calculated .The study was conducted in the Aseer region of Saudi Arabia.

Results: Fifty-two (52.0%) have opted that amblyopia is the decreased vision in one eye due to brain ignoring unclear image transmitted by the affected (lazy) eye and favoring the healthy.

19.% opted laser therapy, 17.0% opted cover the health eye and treat the underlying causes while 10.0% believed that surgery are the sources of treatment.

Conclusion: More public campaigns, awareness days, and media commercials could help parents become more aware of the illness.

To boost the children's treatment compliance, eye care experts should be more involved, and additional activities should be taken at the family level.