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Incidence of esotropia developing in subjects previously diagnosed with pseudoesotropia: a pilot study
Didar S Anwar1, Fasika A Woreta, Christina Y Weng
1The Zanvyl Krieger Children's Eye Center, Wilmer Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287-9028, USA.
Insights
A small percentage of young children initially diagnosed with pseudoesotropia may develop esotropia later. Ongoing monitoring and parent education are recommended for early detection of this eye condition.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Ophthalmology
- Strabismus Research
Background:
- Pseudoesotropia, an apparent inward turning of the eye, is common in young children.
- Distinguishing pseudoesotropia from true esotropia is crucial for appropriate management.
- Early detection and intervention for strabismus are vital for visual development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of developing esotropia in children initially diagnosed with pseudoesotropia.
- To evaluate the long-term risk of strabismus development after a pseudoesotropia diagnosis in pre-schoolers.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of pediatric patients.
- Inclusion criteria: diagnosis of pseudoesotropia before age 5 and strabismus reassessment after age 5.
- Analysis of a cohort of 31 children meeting study criteria.
Main Results:
- The median age of pseudoesotropia diagnosis was 1.3 years.
- Six out of 31 children (19.4%) were later diagnosed with esotropia.
- The 95% confidence interval for developing esotropia was 7.5% to 37.5%.
Conclusions:
- A significant minority of children with pseudoesotropia may develop true esotropia.
- Regular ophthalmological examinations are necessary even with initial findings of pseudoesotropia.
- Educating parents about potential strabismus development is important for timely intervention.
Purpose:
To assess the rate of development of esotropia following the diagnosis of pseudoesotropia among young children.
Methods:
Retrospective records review of children diagnosed during an eye examination with pseudoesotropia prior to age 5 years with a reassessment for strabismus completed after age 5 years.
Results:
Thirty-one patients met the inclusion criteria. The median age at diagnosis of pseudoesotropia was 1.3 years. Fourteen were boys (45%). Six (19.4%) children were subsequently diagnosed with esotropia (95% confidence interval: 7.5 to 37.5%).
Conclusion:
Even when experienced examiners find no misalignment in young children, a small number will later be found with esotropia. Serial examinations and parent education about this possibility need to be considered.
