Journal of intellectual disability research : JIDR·2012
Area of Science:
Ophthalmology
Pediatric Surgery
Craniofacial Surgery
Background:
Craniofacial reconstruction in children can impact ocular alignment.
Understanding the incidence and nature of strabismus post-surgery is crucial for pediatric ophthalmology.
Observation:
140 children undergoing major craniofacial reconstruction were evaluated.
Only 10% experienced surgically induced horizontal alignment changes.
Two new cases of strabismus were directly linked to cranial nerve palsies post-surgery.
Findings:
The majority of children (130/140) did not develop new strabismus.
Significant horizontal alignment changes (>10 prism diopters) were infrequent (4/140).
Patients with craniofacial dysostosis (Crouzon syndrome) showed higher rates of preoperative strabismus (20/44) and required extraocular muscle surgery (12/44).
Implications:
Early intervention for strabismus in craniofacial surgery patients may improve binocularity.
Anomalies in extraocular muscle number/structure are associated with craniofacial dysostosis.
Ophthalmologic assessment is vital for children undergoing craniofacial reconstruction.