Factors influencing refractive status distribution and amblyopia in preschool children with low vision.

OBJECTIVE

To reveal the distribution characteristics of refractive status of preschool children with low vision, analyze the independent risk factors of amblyopia (AMB), and build a risk prediction model, so as to provide a basis for early screening and precise intervention.

METHODS

We enrolled 180 preschoolers (3-6 years old) with low vision from January 2023 to December 2024. All of the participants underwent standardized examinations, with their refractive status and visual characteristics recorded. Subsequently, a univariate analysis was conducted to identify differences in demographic characteristics, perinatal factors, environmental behaviors, and refractive state between AMB and non-AMB children, followed by regression coefficient-based AMB risk assessment model construction, with model performance validated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

RESULTS

Hyperopia was dominant in children with low vision. With an increase in age, the proportion of hyperopic refractive error gradually decreased. AMB occurred at an overall incidence of 40.00% (72/180) among our cohort, with the prevalence being dominant in the 4-5-year age group. According to multivariate analysis, parental myopia, time spent on close-range eye use, and refractive status were independent risk factors for AMB. Through internal validation, it was found that the prediction model had clinical application value in AMB screening.

CONCLUSION

The main refractive abnormality in preschool children with low vision is hyperopic refractive error, which is also the core risk factor for AMB. The risk prediction model we constructed can effectively identify high-risk groups, providing an efficient tool for early clinical screening.