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Congenital esotropia and the risk of mental illness by early adulthood

Joshua H Olson1, Curtis R Louwagie, Nancy N Diehl

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.

Ophthalmology
|October 12, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Children with congenital esotropia (CET) face a 2.6 times higher risk of developing mental illness by early adulthood compared to their peers. This study highlights a significant association between CET and increased psychiatric diagnoses and treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Psychiatry
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Congenital esotropia (CET) is a common childhood eye misalignment.
  • Previous research suggests potential links between strabismus and mental health conditions.
  • Understanding these associations is crucial for comprehensive patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if children diagnosed with congenital esotropia (CET) have a higher likelihood of developing mental illness in early adulthood compared to a control group.
  • To investigate the association between CET and the incidence of psychiatric disorders.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective, population-based cohort study design was employed.
  • Participants included children diagnosed with CET and matched, non-strabismic controls from Olmsted County, Minnesota (1965-1994).
  • Medical records were reviewed to identify subsequent psychiatric diagnoses and comorbidities.

Main Results:

  • A mental health disorder was diagnosed in 33% of patients with CET versus 16% of controls (P = 0.002).
  • Congenital esotropia was associated with a 2.6-fold increased odds of developing psychiatric illness (95% CI, 1.5-4.8).
  • Esotropic patients showed significantly higher rates of mental health diagnoses and psychotropic medication use.

Conclusions:

  • Congenital esotropia significantly increases the risk of developing mental illness by early adulthood, similar to other forms of strabismus.
  • The observed association between CET and mental illness is not linked to premature birth.
  • These findings underscore the importance of monitoring mental health in individuals with CET.
Abstract

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