The aim of this study was to overview the literature in relation to strabismus and amblyopia and associated risk factors in Africa. The review included 24 papers; eight for strabismus and 21 for amblyopia. Sample sizes ranged from 352 to 8715 participants, published from 1996 to 2019. For strabismus, pooled sample size was 223,555 with prevalence reported at 0.1 to 2.9%. Overall pooled prevalence was 0.8% (CI 0.4-1.4%). Prevalence of exotropia was 0.2% (CI 0.1-0.5%) and for esotropia was 0.5% (CI 0.1-1.2%). For amblyopia, pooled sample size was 46,841 with prevalence of 0.13 to 4.66%. Overall pooled prevalence was 0.6% (CI 0.3-0.9%). Pooled prevalence of amblyopia in males and females was 1.8% (CI 0.7-3.3%) and 1.3% (CI 0.4-2.6%) respectively. Strabismic amblyopia had a prevalence of 0.4% (0.2-0.6%). Refractive error had a prevalence of 1.1% (CI 0.2-2.5%). Meta-analysis indicated a relatively low prevalence of strabismus and amblyopia but highlights the need for more comprehensive epidemiology studies of these conditions in Africa. This is important to inform policy decisions and public health programmes.
Prevalence and related factors for strabismus and amblyopia in Africa
Reviewed by Fiona Rowe
Strabismus and amblyopia in Africa – a systematic review and meta-analysis.
CONTRIBUTOR
Fiona Rowe (Prof)
Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, UK.
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