Epidemiology

One systematic review and meta-analysis reported a global pooled prevalence rate of 1.44% for amblyopia.[7]​ Prevalence was highest in Europe (2.9%) and North America (2.41%), with lower rates reported in Asia (1.09%) and Africa (0.72%).[7]​ No gender disparity was identified. By 2040, a projected 221.9 million people worldwide will be living with amblyopia.[7]

In the US, population-based studies of preschool children report an amblyopia prevalence of approximately 2%, with a higher prevalence among Hispanic/Latino than African-American children (2.6% vs. 1.5%, respectively).[4][8]​

Uncorrectable vision attributable to unilateral or bilateral amblyopia has been reported in 4% of older US children and adolescents (ages 12-19 years).[9]​ Significant socioeconomic factors included family income below the poverty level, Mexican or non-Hispanic black ethnicity, food insecurity, caregiver education status below high school, and absence of private insurance.[9]

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