Background Amblyopia, when not diagnosed at appropriate age, leads to uncorrectable visual impairment with considerable social and financial implications. The aim of this study was to assess socio-demographic disparities in amblyopia prevalence among Israeli adolescents, in order to identify susceptible groups in the population. Methods A nationwide, population-based, cross-sectional study of Israeli adolescents examined between 1993 and 2017. All study participants underwent visual acuity examination with socio-demographic data and previous medical history documented. Associations were analyzed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression models. Results Among 1 334 650 Israeli-born candidates aged 17.15±0.26 years, amblyopia was diagnosed in 1.07%. The overall prevalence of amblyopia has declined from 1.59% in 1993 to 0.87% in 2017. Being in the lowest socioeconomic status and below average cognitive function scores increased the odds of amblyopia in both males [odds ratio (OR) 1.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.45–1.87; OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.19–1.35, respectively] and females (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.30–1.98; OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.18–1.36, respectively). Among males, Orthodox and ultra-Orthodox educational systems were associated with increased odds of amblyopia (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.09–1.25; OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.73–2.09). A significantly higher prevalence of amblyopia was recorded among 219 983 immigrants (1.51%, P<0.001). Conclusions Although the overall prevalence of amblyopia has decreased during the observed years, we found substantial evidence of socio-demographic disparities in amblyopia prevalence among adolescents, suggesting disparities in the prevention of the disease and its treatment. Demonstration of inequities at a national level could aid future guidance of health policy and augment current vision screening programs.

中文翻译：

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150 万青少年弱视患病率的社会人口统计学差异

背景 弱视如果在适当的年龄没有被诊断出来，会导致无法矫正的视力障碍，具有相当大的社会和经济影响。本研究的目的是评估以色列青少年弱视患病率的社会人口差异，以确定人口中的易感群体。方法 对 1993 年至 2017 年期间的以色列青少年进行的一项全国性、基于人群的横断面研究。所有研究参与者都接受了视力检查，并记录了社会人口学数据和既往病史。使用单变量和多变量逻辑回归模型分析关联。结果 1 334 650名以色列出生的17.15±0.26岁候选人中，弱视诊断率为1.07%。弱视的总体患病率从 1993 年的 1.59% 下降到 2017 年的 0.87%。处于最低社会经济地位和低于平均认知功能评分增加了两名男性的弱视几率[优势比 (OR) 1.64, 95% 置信区间 (CI) 1.45–1.87; OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.19–1.35] 和女性（分别为 OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.30–1.98；OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.18–1.36）。在男性中，正统和极端正统教育系统与弱视几率增加相关（OR 1.16，95% CI 1.09-1.25；OR 1.90，95% CI 1.73-2.09）。在 219 983 名移民中，弱视患病率显着升高（1.51%，P<0.001）。结 表明该疾病的预防和治疗存在差异。在国家层面证明不公平可以帮助未来的卫生政策指导，并增强当前的视力筛查项目。