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Why is squint surgery in children in decline?
1Ophthalmology Department, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, Scotland, UK.
The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|March 20, 2004
Summary
Paediatric squint surgery, especially for esotropia, has significantly declined. Improved hypermetropic correction is enhancing functional outcomes in children with strabismus.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Paediatric Medicine
- Surgical Trends
Background:
- Paediatric squint surgery rates appear to be decreasing.
- Investigating the trends and reasons behind this decline is crucial for understanding current clinical practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if paediatric squint surgery is declining.
- To identify the factors contributing to any observed decline.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of paediatric squint surgeries in Scotland and Tayside (1986-2001).
- Analysis of orthoptic presentations in Tayside during 1986 and 1996.
Main Results:
- A 58-59% decrease in overall paediatric squint surgery in Scotland and Tayside.
- A 63-69% reduction in surgery for paediatric esotropia.
- Despite unchanged esotropia incidence, surgery rates fell from 55% to 30%; maximum hypermetropic correction increased, leading to improved stereopsis.
Conclusions:
- Childhood strabismus surgery, particularly for esotropia, is declining.
- Enhanced hypermetropic correction strategies have positively impacted functional results in paediatric patients.