Simultaneous Development of Acute Acquired Concomitant Esotropia in Two Siblings during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case
Danielle Carter1, Priyanka Pujara1, Kate Bolton1
1Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, GB.
Insights
Two siblings developed esotropia during COVID-19 lockdowns. Surgical intervention restored binocularity, suggesting environmental factors like increased screen time may contribute to this eye condition.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Ophthalmology
- Environmental Medicine
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated significant lifestyle changes, including lockdowns and increased screen time.
- Environmental factors are increasingly recognized for their role in various health conditions.
Observation:
- Two siblings, a 5-year-old boy and an 11-year-old sister, presented with acute-onset large angle concomitant esotropia within a three-month period in early 2021.
- Neither sibling had prior significant medical, ophthalmic, or family history of eye conditions.
- Both siblings experienced lifestyle changes due to UK lockdown measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Findings:
- Both siblings underwent surgical correction with right medial rectus recession (5.5 mm) and right lateral rectus resection (7 mm).
- At a three-month follow-up, both siblings demonstrated minimal esophoria and restored binocularity.
Implications:
- This case highlights a potential environmental etiology for esotropia, possibly linked to lifestyle changes during the pandemic.
- The findings suggest that increased screen time may be a contributing factor in the development of esotropia.
- Further research is warranted to explore the relationship between environmental factors and the onset of esotropia in children.
Aim:
To report a case of two siblings who near-simultaneously developed a large angle concomitant esotropia during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to describe their treatment and outcomes.
Method:
A 5-year-old boy and his 11-year-old sister were presented to the hospital eye service in early 2021, having both developed acute-onset large angle esotropia within three months of each other. Neither had any significant past medical, ophthalmic, or family history. The siblings lived in the same household, and both experienced lifestyle changes as a result of the UK lockdown in response to COVID-19.
Results:
Each sibling was treated with right medial rectus recession (5.5 mm) and right lateral rectus resection (7 mm), and at a three-month follow-up, both were minimally esophoric with restored binocularity.
Conclusion:
The unusual and abrupt changes in lifestyle imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic highlight the likelihood of an environmental aetiology for some forms of esotropia and raise the possibility that extended screen time may be a contributory factor.
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