Amblyopia prevalence in patients with alternating esotropia

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pediatric Ophthalmology
• Strabismology

Background:

• Alternating esotropia, a condition where eyes turn inward, is often considered less likely to cause amblyopia (lazy eye) due to the eyes' ability to alternate fixation.
• However, the actual prevalence of amblyopia in children with this specific type of strabismus requires further investigation, especially in those considered for surgical intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the frequency of amblyopia in preschool and school-age children diagnosed with alternating esotropia.
• To assess the relationship between alternating esotropia and the development of amblyopia in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective, cross-sectional study analyzed preoperative data of 767 children aged 3-10 years with alternating esotropia.
• Exclusion criteria included disabilities, ocular pathologies, craniofacial anomalies, prior surgeries, or vertical deviations.
• Ophthalmic examinations evaluated refractive error, visual acuity, deviation angle, and amblyopia density.

Main Results:

• Out of 767 subjects, 151 (19.7%) had amblyopia, with mild, moderate, and severe forms observed.
• Among amblyopic patients, 24.5% exhibited anisometropia (unequal refractive error between eyes).
• Anisometropia was also present in 5.8% of non-amblyopic participants.

Conclusions:

• Alternating esotropia does not preclude the development of amblyopia in children.
• The significant prevalence of amblyopia in this cohort emphasizes the necessity of thorough ophthalmic assessment for early detection and management.
• Pediatric patients with alternating esotropia require diligent screening for amblyopia, irrespective of surgical candidacy.