Awareness of Amblyopia Among the Population of Jazan, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

Background: Amblyopia, or "lazy eye," is a visual disorder that often goes undiagnosed, especially in its early stages. Early detection and treatment are critical to preventing long-term visual impairment. This study aimed to assess the awareness of amblyopia among the population of Jazan, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from May to October 2024 to evaluate amblyopia awareness in Jazan. The study utilized a random sampling technique and data were collected via an online questionnaire. A total of 405 participants were included in the analysis, with the sample size determined using the Raosoft sample size calculator (Raosoft, Inc., Seattle, Washington, United States), ensuring a 95% confidence interval and a 5% margin of error. Results: The findings revealed that 68.6% (n=278) of participants had heard of amblyopia, with a significant percentage of respondents (40.7%, n=165) reporting no family history of eye conditions. Awareness varied significantly across educational levels, with 74.1% (n=300) of college-educated participants being familiar with the condition. Urban residents (45.7%, n=185) showed higher awareness than rural residents (54.3%, n=220). Participants also demonstrated limited knowledge about the visibility of amblyopia without examination, with 40.0% (n=162) unsure if it could be detected visually. Additionally, 35.3% (n=143) did not know whether a general practitioner could diagnose the condition. Conclusion: The study indicates a significant gap in amblyopia awareness, particularly among rural populations and individuals with lower educational attainment. Public health campaigns and early screening programs are essential to improve awareness and for early diagnosis. Additionally, enhancing the role of healthcare providers in amblyopia education and detection is crucial for reducing the burden of untreated amblyopia in Jazan.