USF-LVHN SELECT

Amblyopia and adult health: a comprehensive analysis of long-term systemic, sensory and mental health comorbidities in a national cohort.

Publication/Presentation Date

1-27-2026

Abstract

AIMS: To evaluate the adult health consequences of amblyopia, including sensory deficits, mental health, physical activity and cardiovascular health.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study using data from the National Institutes of Health's

RESULTS: Amblyopia was associated with increased odds of bilateral blindness (OR=2.96, 95% CI 2.54 to 3.44), obesity (OR=1.27, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.39), type 2 diabetes (OR=1.39, 95% CI 1.26 to 1.53) and cardiovascular disease (OR=1.92, 95% CI 1.69 to 2.19). Amblyopic individuals took fewer daily steps (5859 vs 6229; p=0.044), indicating decreased physical activity. Neuropsychiatric disorders were more common, including generalised anxiety (OR=1.57, 95% CI 1.43 to 1.72), substance use disorder (OR=1.40, 95% CI 1.25 to 1.55), bipolar disorder (OR=1.35, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.61), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (OR=1.54, 95% CI 1.28 to 1.86), obsessive compulsive disorder (OR=1.82, 95% CI 1.31 to 2.54) and autism (OR=3.27, 95% CI 1.79 to 5.99). Schizophrenia was not associated (OR=1.00, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.42).

CONCLUSIONS: Amblyopia is associated with long-term systemic health conditions, suggesting either long-term effects of visual impairment or shared underlying risk factors. These findings underscore the need for early detection and intervention. Further research is needed to explore the neurodevelopmental pathways linking amblyopia and its comorbidities.

ISSN

1468-2079

Disciplines

Medical Education | Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

41592945

Department(s)

USF-LVHN SELECT Program, USF-LVHN SELECT Program Students

Document Type

Article

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS