AMBLYOPIA: PARENTS' AWARENESS AND PERCEPTIONS IN ALHASSA REGION OF SAUDI ARABIA.

Objective: This study is conducted to measure parents' knowledge and perception to the causes, diagnosis, consequences, and treatment of amblyopia in Alhassa region, Saudi Arabia. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out from 1st September to 22th October 2018 on the parents and companions of children in Al-hassa region, Saudi Arabia. Data was collected from 384 parents using a structured computerized questionnaire designed to fulfill the objectives of the study. Results: The total number of participants was 384 parents, 58.6% were female and 41.4% were male. The amblyopia awareness rate was 40%. Only 38.8% of the participants were able to identify the correct definition of the disease although the majority, about 90%, had a high educational level equal. In addition, refractive errors, congenital cataract, ptosis, corneal problems, and strabismus were anticipated correctly among 23.68%, 11.79%, 9.94%, 8.19% and 7.99% of the parents respectively as common risk factors of amblyopia. Regarding the knowledge of treatment options of amblyopia, 13.71% of the parents think that patching the strong eye is the treatment of amblyopia while using glasses was perceived by 26.43%. Awareness and perception level of amblyopia was significantly increased among parents who had a Master or Ph.D. degree and those who have a family history of amblyopia. Social media and personal experiences of eye diseases represented the main sources of knowledge about amblyopia. Conclusion: This study shows that most of the participants have a mild to moderate knowledge level about amblyopia, however, they need to increase their level of awareness on the causes and treatment options of amblyopia. Social media is a useful resource that can be utilized for this purpose along with the physician's role in educating parents about the guidelines of vision screening in children.