Prevalence of amblyogenic risk factors in siblings of patients with accommodative esotropia

To prospectively describe the prevalence of amblyogenic risk factors in the siblings of patients with accommodative esotropia.

We examined 81 proband children with accommodative esotropia and 115 siblings ages 10 years or younger in our clinical practice. Criteria for significant ocular findings in siblings included any of the following: spherical refractive error > or = +3.5 D in either eye; astigmatism in either eye > or =1.0 D or 1.5 D depending on the axis; anisometropia > or =1.5 D; and/or any strabismus.

In siblings, 42.6% (95% CI: 34.0%-51.7%) had significant ocular findings: strabismus, 14.8% (95% CI: 8.3%-21.3%); hyperopia > or =3.5 D, 23.5% (95% CI: 16.6%-32.1%); astigmatism > or =1 D or 1.5 D (depending on axis), 13.9% (95% CI: 8.7%-21.5%); and anisometropia > or =1.5 D, 7.0% (95% CI: 3.4%-13.3%).

Siblings of children with accommodative esotropia have a high prevalence of amblyogenic risk factors. This study offers additional data and rationale for providing comprehensive eye exams for children with a family history of strabismus.