Reading ability in children with intermittent exotropia and its association with binocular visual function and visual...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Developmental Pediatrics
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Intermittent exotropia (IXT) is a common childhood strabismus.
• Reading difficulties are frequently observed in children with IXT, but underlying factors require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate reading performance in children with IXT.
• To explore associations between reading abnormalities, binocular visual function, and visual information processing in children with IXT.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional, case-control study comparing 61 children with IXT and 40 healthy controls (ages 7-13).
• Objective reading assessment using the Development Eye Movement (DEM) test and subjective assessment via the Dyslexia Checklist for Chinese Children (DCCC).
• Evaluation of binocular visual function (fusion, stereopsis, contrast sensitivity) and visual information processing (Test of Visual Perceptual Skills-4, Beery Visual Motor Integration-6).

Main Results:

• Children with IXT demonstrated significantly poorer performance on DEM reading tests and reported more difficulties in reading, language, and attention via DCCC.
• Reduced stereopsis, fusion, contrast sensitivity, visual perception, and visual-motor integration were observed in the IXT group.
• Visual-motor integration was identified as an independent predictor of DEM reading performance in children with IXT.

Conclusions:

• Children with IXT exhibit impaired reading performance linked to deficits in binocular vision and visual information processing.
• Visual-motor integration appears to be a significant factor influencing reading ability in children with IXT.
• Clinical interventions targeting visual-motor integration may improve reading outcomes for children with IXT.