[Sensory heterotropias: epidemiological aspects at Douala General Hospital (Cameroon)]

The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the epidemiological characteristics of the sensory heterotropia cases seen in the Opthamology Department of Douala General Hospital between November 1991 and November 1999. Sensory heterotropia accounted for 22.5% of the cases of strabismus reported. Onset was before the age of one year in 80.4% of cases and after the age of one year in 19.6% of cases. All cases of esotropia were apparent before the age of one year. Sensory heterotropia was associated with amblyopia in 89.3% of cases, with eccentric fixation in 78.6% of cases and with nystagmus in 53.6% of cases. Etiology was diverse, the most frequent causes being: albinism (19.6%), chorioretinal scars (16.1%), unilateral cataracts (16.1%), atrophy of the optic nerve (16.1%) and ametropia (8.9%). We recommend preventive measures for some etiologies.