Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Modeling Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus of Prematurity in Rats
04:12

Modeling Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus of Prematurity in Rats

Published on: March 28, 2025

Risk of strabismus and ambylopia in children with hydrocephalus

Ozgül Altintas1, Volkan Etus, Hande Etus

  • 1Deparment of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Kocaeli, Izmit, Turkey. ozgulaltintas@yahoo.com

Graefe'S Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology = Albrecht Von Graefes Archiv Fur Klinische Und Experimentelle Ophthalmologie
|July 9, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Children with hydrocephalus have a high risk of strabismus and amblyopia, especially after shunt revision. Regular eye exams are crucial for monitoring and treating visual defects in these patients.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Neurosurgery

Background:

  • Hydrocephalus is a condition characterized by excess cerebrospinal fluid in the brain.
  • Surgical intervention, such as shunt placement, is common for managing hydrocephalus.
  • Potential complications of hydrocephalus and its treatment can affect visual development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the incidence of strabismus and amblyopia in children treated for hydrocephalus.
  • To compare the risk of these visual impairments with existing literature.
  • To identify factors associated with increased risk of visual defects.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive ophthalmological and orthoptic examinations were conducted.
  • Cycloplegic refraction was performed on all participants.
  • Patient data regarding hydrocephalus treatment, including shunt revisions, were collected.

Main Results:

  • 40% of patients (10/25) exhibited manifest strabismus (4 esotropia, 6 exotropia).
  • Amblyogenic refractive errors were identified in 20% of patients (5/25).
  • Shunt revision was significantly associated with a higher risk of strabismus and amblyopia (P<0.05).

Conclusions:

  • Children with hydrocephalus require vigilant monitoring for acquired visual defects like amblyopia and strabismus.
  • Early detection and treatment of visual impairments are essential for optimal vision outcomes.
  • Regular ophthalmic supervision is recommended for children with hydrocephalus to maintain visual health.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Glaucoma: Overview01:25

Glaucoma: Overview

Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment01:28

Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment

Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction01:14

Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction

Intracranial hypertension is a sustained elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) above 22 mm Hg. In supine adults, normal ICP is ~7–15 mm Hg.The rigid, nonexpandable cranium contains three components—brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—that total ~1,700 mL in a typical adult: 1,400 mL brain (~80%), 150 mL blood (~10%), and 150 mL CSF (~10%). According to the Monro–Kellie doctrine, total intracranial volume is effectively fixed. When one component expands, CSF and venous blood...
Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment01:27

Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment

In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways01:22

Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways

At the molecular level, visual signals trigger transformations in photopigment molecules, resulting in changes in the photoreceptor cell's membrane potential. The photon's energy level is denoted by its wavelength, with each specific wavelength of visible light associated with a distinct color. The spectral range of visible light, classified as electromagnetic radiation, spans from 380 to 720 nm. Electromagnetic radiation wavelengths exceeding 720 nm fall under the infrared category, whereas...