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Ophthalmologic abnormalities in the pediatric cochlear implant population
R M Siatkowski1, J T Flynn, A V Hodges
1Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miami, Florida.
Insights
Ophthalmologic abnormalities are common in children with congenital sensorineural deafness, with refractive errors being most prevalent. Routine eye exams are crucial for early detection and diagnosis in this vulnerable population.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatrics
- Genetics
Background:
- Congenital or prelinguistic sensorineural deafness can be associated with various medical conditions.
- Ophthalmologic abnormalities may coexist with hearing impairments in children.
- Early identification of visual issues is critical for developmental outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and types of eye conditions in children with congenital or prelinguistic sensorineural deafness.
- To assess the role of ophthalmologic examinations in diagnosing the cause of deafness.
- To advocate for routine eye screenings in this pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- Complete ophthalmologic examinations were conducted on 54 children (ages 2-14).
- Participants were recruited from the University of Miami Ear Institute's Cochlear Implant Program.
- Data on ophthalmologic findings and potential causes of deafness were collected.
Main Results:
- A significant majority (61.1%) of children exhibited ophthalmologic abnormalities.
- Refractive errors were the most common finding (44.4%), followed by strabismus and adnexal anomalies (3.7% each).
- Ocular examinations aided in determining the cause of deafness in 5.6% of cases, identifying conditions like rubella retinopathy and Usher's syndrome.
Conclusions:
- Routine ophthalmologic examinations should be mandated for children with congenital or prelinguistic sensorineural deafness.
- Ophthalmologists can play a vital role in diagnosing underlying genetic conditions and managing co-occurring visual impairments.
- Comprehensive care integrating audiology and ophthalmology is essential for children with combined vision and hearing deficits.
Abstract:
To determine the nature and prevalence of ophthalmologic abnormalities in children with congenital or prelinguistic sensorineural deafness, we performed complete ophthalmologic examinations on 54 children aged 2 to 14 years from the University of Miami Ear Institute's Cochlear Implant Program. Of 54 children, 33 (61.1%) had some form of ophthalmologic abnormality, with the majority (24 patients; 44.4%) being refractive errors. Of 54 patients, two (3.7%) had strabismus and two (3.7%) had external adnexal anomalies. One child (1.8%) had cataracts. The cause of the deafness, which had previously been unknown, was determined in three of 54 cases (5.6%) as a result of ocular examinations documenting rubella retinopathy, tapetoretinal degeneration (Usher's syndrome), and iris heterochromia (Waardenburg's syndrome). Routine ophthalmologic examination must be mandated for this population, and the ophthalmologist should be encouraged to play a broader role in the care of children with deficiencies of both vision and audition.