Impact of Vision Impairment and Ocular Morbidity and Their Treatment on Quality of Life in Children: A Systematic Review.

TOPIC: This review summarizes existing evidence of the impact of vision impairment and ocular morbidity and their treatment on children's quality of life (QoL). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Myopia and strabismus are associated with reduced QoL among children. Surgical treatment of strabismus significantly improves affected children's QoL. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis by screening articles in any language in 9 databases published from inception through August 22, 2022, addressing the impact of vision impairment, ocular morbidity, and their treatment on QoL in children. We reported pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs) using random-effects meta-analysis models. Quality appraisal was performed using Joanna Briggs Institute and National Institutes of Health tools. This study was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (identifier, CRD42021233323). RESULTS: Our search identified 29 118 articles, 44 studies (0.15%) of which were included for analysis that included 32 318 participants from 14 countries between 2005 and 2022. Seventeen observational and 4 interventional studies concerned vision impairment, whereas 10 observational and 13 interventional studies described strabismus and other ocular morbidities. Twenty-one studies were included in the meta-analysis. The QoL scores did not differ between children with and without vision impairment (SMD, -1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], -2.11 to 0.03; P = 0.06; 9 studies). Myopic children demonstrated significantly lower QoL scores than those with normal vision (SMD, -0.60; 95% CI, -1.09 to -0.11; P = 0.02; 7 studies). Children with strabismus showed a significantly lower QoL score compared with those without (SMD, -1.19; 95% CI, -1.66 to -0.73; P < 0.001; 7 studies). Strabismus surgery significantly improved QoL in children (SMD, 1.36; 95% CI, 0.48-2.23; P < 0.001; 7 studies). No randomized controlled trials (RCTs) concerning refractive error and QoL were identified. Among all included studies, 35 (79.5%) were scored as low to moderate quality; the remaining met all quality appraisal tools criteria. DISCUSSION: Reduced QoL was identified in children with myopia and strabismus. Surgical correction of strabismus improves the QoL of affected children, which supports insurance coverage of strabismus surgery. Further studies, especially RCTs, investigating the impact of correction of myopia on QoL are needed. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Prevalence of Strabismus and Its Impact on Vision-Related Quality of Life: Results from the German Population-Based Gutenberg Health Study.

PURPOSE: This study investigates the prevalence of manifest strabismus and its subtypes in adulthood and analyzes the risk factors and its impact on vision-related quality of life (VRQoL). DESIGN: The Gutenberg Health Study (GHS) is a population-based, observational cohort study. A cross-sectional analysis of the baseline examination was conducted. PARTICIPANTS: Participants aged 35 to 74 years were included (n = 15 010). METHODS: All participants were examined with a comprehensive ophthalmologic and general examination including the Hirschberg corneal reflex test to detect manifest strabismus. The following risk factors were analyzed: age, sex, socioeconomic status, birth weight, maternal age at birth, anisometropia, astigmatism, spherical equivalent, low visual acuity in the worse seeing eye (≥1.3 logMAR), and cardiovascular factors, and included in multivariable logistic regression analysis. Lifetime period prevalence and point prevalence of manifest strabismus were computed, and VRQoL was compared between participants with and without strabismus. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Strabismus prevalence. RESULTS: A total of 14 700 participants (age, 55.0±11.1 years; 49.5% were female) were included in this analysis. The weighted prevalence of ever having strabismus was 2.9% (2.6%-3.2%), and the point prevalence for concomitant strabismus was 2.5% (2.3%-2.8%). Esotropia was twice as frequent as exotropia, and 2 participants had paralytic strabismus. Concomitant strabismus was associated with age 65 to 69 years (odds ratio [OR], 0.13 [0.05-0.39], P < 0.001); age 70 to 74 years (OR, 0.14 [0.05-0.4], P < 0.001); anisometropia (>1.0 diopters [D]: OR, 3.61 [2.32-5.62], P < 0.001; >2.0 D: OR, 6.93 [4.23-11.35], P < 0.001); astigmatism (≥1.0 D: OR, 2.09 [1.42-3.08], P < 0.001; ≥2.0 D: OR, 3.74 [2.35-5.97], P < 0.001); spherical equivalent (per diopter: OR, 1.43 [1.33-1.53], P < 0.001); and low visual acuity in the worse seeing eye (≥1.3 logMAR: OR, 21.7 [11.2-42.0], P < 0.001). VRQoL was lower in participants with strabismus compared with participants without strabismus in adjusted analysis (B = -5.96, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Strabismus is a frequent chronic eye condition that is associated with a lower VRQoL. Individuals with anisometropia, astigmatism, and hyperopia are more likely to have strabismus. In addition, low visual acuity in the worse eye was linked to strabismus prevalence.

Health-related quality of life and mental health in children and adolescents with strabismus - results of the representative population-based survey KiGGS.

BACKGROUND: To estimate the effect of strabismus (squinting) on mental health and health-related quality of life aspects in children and adolescents. METHODS: Data from the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents KiGGS (2003-2006 baseline survey; N = 14,835, aged 3 to 17 years, 49% girls) were examined. The presence of strabismus was derived by parental questionnaire, and health-related quality of life and mental health were investigated with the KINDL-R and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Associations between strabismus and outcomes were analyzed using multivariable linear and logistic regression models. RESULTS: Of 12,989 children without missing data, 579 children (4.5% of the sample) were reported to have strabismus. Children with strabismus had lower scores in the parent-reported KINDL-R total scale (adjusted beta = - 1.02; 95%CI: -1.86 to - 0.18; p = 0.018) and sub-scale 'friends' (adjusted beta = - 2.18; 95%CI: -3.56 to -0.80; p = 0.002) compared to children without strabismus. The presence of strabismus was also associated with more mental health problems like 'hyperactivity/inattention' (adjusted OR = 1.50; 95%CI: 1.14 to 1.98; p = 0.005), and 'peer problems' (adjusted OR = 1.35; 95%-CI: 1.05 to 1.74; p = 0.018) as reported by parents. CONCLUSIONS: Strabismus in children and adolescents is associated with lower health-related quality of life.

Development of a conceptual model regarding quality of life in Chinese adult patients with strabismus: a mixed method.

BACKGROUND: Substantial challenges have been reported in China in terms of the large number of adult patients with strabismus and their poor quality of life. Quality of life is a cultural concept that varies according to personal feelings and perceptions, and it is influenced by physical, psychological and social factors. However, to date, there has been no mixed-method research of the quality of life of Chinese adult patients with strabismus, and no conceptual model has been reported. This study aimed to utilize mixed methods to explore the influence of strabismus on health-related quality of life in Chinese adult patients and to develop a conceptual model. METHODS: Thirty adult patients with strabismus from three tertiary hospitals in China participated in the interview. In-depth one-to-one interviews were semi-structured and addressed strabismus-related symptoms and the impacts on the participants' quality of life. Transcripts were analysed to identify themes. A self-designed questionnaire was distributed to 448 patients, 437 of whom returned valid questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and x2 test were conducted. RESULTS: Five themes were revealed regarding the impact of strabismus on patient quality of life: appearance, daily activities, personal development, social interaction, and emotions. In the survey, the top three symptoms (n ≥ 70%) rated by the participants were monocular vision, eye fatigue and physical discomfort. Compared to those without diplopia, the patients who suffered diplopia more often reported experiencing the symptoms of blurred vision, monocular vision, physical discomfort, eye fatigue, cannot estimate depth well and increasing deviation size (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to examine quality of life among Chinese strabismus patients using both qualitative and quantitative methods and proposing a conceptual model. Symptom burden and appearance were the two original reasons for the decreased quality of life, and they were also the triggers for strabismus patients to visit clinics and undergo surgery. The interventions to treat symptoms burden should be different between patients with and without diplopia.

Differences in quality-of-life dimensions of Adult Strabismus Quality of Life and Amblyopia & Strabismus Questionnaires.

PURPOSE: The Adult Strabismus Quality of Life Questionnaire (AS-20) and the Amblyopia & Strabismus Questionnaire (A&SQ) both measure health-related quality of life in strabismus patients. We evaluated to what extent these instruments cover similar domains by identifying the underlying quality-of-life factors of the combined questionnaires. METHODS: Participants were adults from a historic cohort with available orthoptic childhood data documenting strabismus and/or amblyopia. They had previously completed the A&SQ and were now asked to complete the AS-20. Factor analysis was performed on the correlation-matrix of the combined AS-20 and A&SQ data to identify common underlying factors. The identified factors were correlated with the clinical variables of angle of strabismus, degree of binocular vision, and visual acuity of the worse eye. RESULTS: One hundred ten patients completed both questionnaires (mean age, 44 years; range, 38-51 years). Six factors were found that together explained 78% of the total variance. The factor structure was dominated by the first four factors. One factor contained psychosocial and social-contact items, and another factor depth-perception items from both questionnaires. A third factor contained seven items-only from the AS-20-on eye strain, stress, and difficulties with reading and with concentrating. A fourth factor contained seven items-only from the A&SQ-on fear of losing the better eye and visual disorientation, specific for amblyopia. Current visual acuity of the worse eye correlated with depth-perception items and vision-related items, whereas current binocular vision correlated with psychosocial and social-contact items, in 93 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Factor analysis suggests that the AS-20 and A&SQ measure a similar psychosocial quality-of-life domain. However, functional problems like avoidance of reading, difficulty in concentrating, eye stress, reading problems, inability to enjoy hobbies, and need for frequent breaks when reading are represented only in the AS-20. During the development of the A&SQ, asthenopia items were considered insufficiently specific for strabismus and were excluded a priori. The patients who generated the items for the AS-20 had, in majority, adulthood-onset strabismus and diplopia and were, hence, more likely to develop such complaints than our adult patients with childhood-onset strabismus and/or amblyopia.

Strabismus, a preventable barrier to social participation: a short report.

Isolated strabismus does not significantly impair visual functionality and has traditionally been considered a primarily cosmetic defect of little importance. However, even in the absence of strabismus amblyopia, manifest strabismus and its non-surgical treatments can render the person less socially acceptable, creating a barrier to participation and resulting in psychosocial disadvantage that has been documented in the typically developing population. The Australian Cerebral Palsy Register traditionally recorded strabismus only if it were not accompanied by visual impairment; however, even these data indicate that the proportion of cerebral palsy registrants with strabismus is many times higher than in comparable population samples, compounding their challenges to achieve participation. It is therefore inappropriate to continue to consider strabismus as merely a cosmetic defect, but one that deserves surgical correction early in life.

Psychosocial interventions for improving quality of life outcomes in adults undergoing strabismus surgery.

BACKGROUND: Strabismus, also known as squint, can have a debilitating effect on a person's self-esteem, quality of life and mood, as well as increase their feelings of social anxiety and avoidance behaviour. Strabismus surgery can improve both the alignment of a person's eyes and, in appropriate cases, relieve symptoms such as double vision. However, evidence indicates that not all patients experience a meaningful improvement in their quality of life postsurgery. Pre-surgical psychosocial interventions have been found to improve patient reported outcomes in other long-term conditions. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of psychosocial interventions versus no intervention on quality of life and psychosocial outcomes in adults undergoing strabismus surgery. SEARCH METHODS: We searched CENTRAL (which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision group Trials Register) (2016, Issue 1), Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid MEDLINE In-Process and Other Non-Indexed Citations, Ovid MEDLINE Daily, Ovid OLDMEDLINE (January 1946 to February 2016), EMBASE (January 1980 to February 2016), Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences (LILACS) (January 1982 to February 2016), PsycINFO (January 1967 to February 2016), the ISRCTN registry (www.isrctn.com/editAdvancedSearch), ClinicalTrials.gov (www.clinicaltrials.gov) and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (www.who.int/ictrp/search/en). We did not use any date or language restrictions in the electronic searches for trials. We last searched the electronic databases on 15 February 2016.We also manually searched the British Orthoptic Journal, proceedings of the European Strabismological Association (ESA), International Strabismological Association (ISA) and published transactions from the meetings of European Strabismus Association (ESA) and American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS). These were searched from 1980 to present. We also carried out handsearches of Psychology and Health, British Journal of Health Psychology, Health Psychology and Annals of Behavioral Medicine. SELECTION CRITERIA: We planned to include randomised controlled trials (RCTs), including cluster-RCTs, in which effectiveness of a psychosocial intervention had been evaluated in patients due to undergo strabismus surgery. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently reviewed the search results for eligibility. MAIN RESULTS: None of the 88 studies we identified met the inclusion criteria of this Cochrane review. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: We found no evidence that evaluated the impact of psychosocial interventions on patients undergoing squint surgery. We believe future research should focus on developing and evaluating the use of targeted psychosocial interventions to improve a patient's quality of life after strabismus surgery.

Psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Amblyopia and Strabismus Questionnaire (ASQE).

BACKGROUND: Strabismus and amblyopia are known to cause visual dysfunction, self-image disorders, difficulty in seeking employment and social and emotional barriers. These factors can have a serious and detrimental effect upon the patients' health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Presently, a condition-specific questionnaire is not available for assessing the HRQOL in Chinese patients. This study developed a Chinese version of the Amblyopia and Strabismus Questionnaire (ASQE) and tested its reliability and validity in Chinese adult strabismus patients. METHODS: Chinese strabismus adults, adults with normal vision and patients with a variety of other eye diseases completed the Chinese version of the ASQE. Reliability was established by Cronbach's alpha and test-retest. Validity was evaluated by content, construct, criterion-related, convergent and discriminative validities. RESULTS: A total of 202 adult strabismus patients with or without amblyopia, 100 visually normal adults, and 100 patients with other eye diseases (excluding strabismus and amblyopia) participated in this study. Using principal components analysis, six domains were extracted, with a content validity of 0.91. Four items were deleted giving final total of 22 items in the questionnaire. The total score of the ASQE was significantly correlated to the Adult Strabismus Questionnaire (AS-20) (r = 0.642, P < 0.01). The median scores for the adult strabismus patients were significantly lower (worse HRQOL) compared with visually normal adults (66.32 vs. 92.71; P < 0.001) and patients with other eye diseases (66.32 vs. 79.50; P < 0.001) thus demonstrating good discriminative validity for the questionnaire. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for internal consistent reliability was 0.887 and the test-retest reliability was 0.946. The mean total score of the ASQE was 65.85 (SD = 15.32) and the domain 'social contact and appearance' recorded the lowest mean score 43.78 (SD = 13.92) in strabismus patients. CONCLUSIONS: The revised 22-item Chinese version of the ASQE showed good psychometric properties. It is suggested that this questionnaire provides a potentially useful measurement tool in clinical or research programs involving Chinese strabismus patients with or without associated amblyopia.

Impact of strabismus surgery on health-related quality of life in adults.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Adult strabismus can cause many symptoms, which have generally been divided into functional complaints and social complaints. The validity of surgical correction has historically been based on the restoration of functional improvement. In the absence of this expectation, surgery was labeled cosmetic. Yet, many studies have revealed the immense impact of ocular misalignment on psychosocial variables. The purpose of this article is to review the potential functional and psychosocial benefits of strabismus surgery and to summarize the development and status of questionnaires to help quantify these benefits. RECENT FINDINGS: Functional benefits of strabismus surgery have been recently summarized with a meta-analysis. Several questionnaires have been evaluated to assess the functional and psychosocial factors in adult strabismus. Two strabismus-specific questionnaires, the Amblyopia and Strabismus Questionnaire and the Adult Strabismus-20, reveal improvements in adults following surgery. The appropriate patient population, impact of comorbidities on the scores, and the timing of the administration of the questionnaire postoperatively still need to be determined. SUMMARY: Future studies of the impact of strabismus surgery in adults will need to report not only objective motor results, but also the impact on health-related quality of life to encompass all the benefits of strabismus surgery.

Comparison of the Adult Strabismus Quality of Life Questionnaire (AS-20) with the Amblyopia and Strabismus Questionnaire (ASQE) among adults with strabismus who seek medical care in China.

BACKGROUND: The impact of strabismus on visual function, self-image, self-esteem, and social interactions might decrease health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties and clinical applications of two strabismus-specific HRQoL questionnaires in the cultural context of China. METHODS: The Chinese versions of the Adult Strabismus Quality of Life Questionnaire (AS-20) and the Amblyopia and Strabismus Questionnaire (ASQE) were self-administered to 304 adults with strabismus. The Cronbach's α coefficient was calculated to assess the internal consistency reliability. The criterion-related validity was identified by exploring Spearman's correlation with the most widely used vision-specific quality of life questionnaire NEI-VFQ-25. One-way ANOVA was employed to examine the differences in the quality of life of strabismus patients with visually normal adults and with other eye diseases patients. RESULTS: Significantly positive correlations with NEI-VFQ-25 were shown in both scales (r = 0.21 - 0.44, p <0.05, p <0.01). Both scales could distinguish individuals with strabismus from visually normal adults (p <0.001) and adults with other eye diseases (p <0.001). The overall Cronbach's α value were 0.91 for the AS-20 and 0.89 for the ASQE; and for the subscales, the α value ranged from 0.68 to 0.90. CONCLUSION: This was the first cross-sectional study to compare the psychometric properties of two strabismus-targeted questionnaires, AS-20 and ASQE in the context of Chinese culture. Both AS-20 and ASQE showed satisfactory and comparable properties for measuring HRQoL in strabismus patients.

Awareness, perceptions and knowledge of strabismus among patients visiting a tertiary eye clinic in Southwest Nigeria.

The purpose of this study was to assess the perceptions, knowledge of the causes, implications and treatment of strabismus in a black population. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study utilizing a total sampling technique. Face-to-face interviews were performed using a structured questionnaire. Socio-demographic characteristics, awareness, perceived causes, effect and treatment of squint were investigated. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential (bivariate and binary regression) analysis. A total of 405 respondents (49.6 % male, 50.4 % female) were interviewed. Ages ranged from 11 ± 90 years (mean 41.26 ± 19.00). Modal age group was 17-44 (56 %). Levels of education showed that 22.0 % had no education, while primary, secondary and tertiary levels were 12.6, 31.6 and 33.8 %, respectively. Approximately 75 % of patients were aware of strabismus. Perceived causes were unknown to 53 % while 18.0 and 12 % mentioned eye disease and congenital-related, respectively. There was no knowledge of treatment in 54 % of patients, while 21 and 25 % knew about medical and surgical treatment, respectively. The effects on social and family life were stigmatization/social misfit (23 %), psychosocial/self pity/depression/inferiority complex (88 %), burden (economic/time) (7 %), and poor cosmesis (5 %). Females were significantly more aware than males (p = 0.043, OR 0.6, CI 0.399-0.986). Age (p = 0.187) and level of education (p = 0.321) had no significant relationship with the levels of awareness. Respondents who had no education were 1.25 times less likely to be aware of squint than those who had education (OR 0.8, CI 0.693-1.642). The awareness of the cause, effects and treatment of strabismus is poor in this population. Females were more aware than males.

Patient perspectives on their outcomes from strabismus surgery undertaken for psychosocial reasons.

BACKGROUND: Strabismus surgery undertaken for psychosocial reasons aims to align the eyes in a straighter position, reduce the psychosocial symptoms experienced and improve health related quality of life (HRQoL). Greater evidence of the postoperative outcomes in adults undergoing strabismus surgery for psychosocial reasons is required to inform funding and commissioning decisions about strabismus surgery. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with adults who had previously undergone strabismus surgery for psychosocial reasons to explore their perceptions of their postoperative outcomes. Maximum variation sampling was used to recruit males and females, younger and older participants. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis following the principles of grounded theory. RESULTS: Thirteen adults were recruited and interviewed, mean 12.2 months postoperatively (range 4.5-20 months). Participants reported a range of improvements in vision, task performance, physical symptoms and confidence and emotions. Some worsening of physical symptoms was reported. CONCLUSION: Despite undergoing strabismus surgery for psychosocial reasons, a range of improvements in vision, task performance and physical symptoms were reported by adult patients postoperatively, in addition to the expected improvements in confidence and emotions.

Mental Health Conditions Associated With Strabismus in a Diverse Cohort of US Adults.

Importance: Greater understanding of the association between strabismus and mental health conditions across sociodemographic backgrounds may inform strategies to improve mental well-being in this population. Objective: To describe the association of strabismus with mental health conditions in a diverse cohort of US adults. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross-sectional study used data from the National Institutes of Health's All of Us Research Program, an ongoing program launched in 2015. The study included 3646 adults (aged ≥18 years) with strabismus and 3646 propensity score-matched controls. Statistical analysis was conducted from September 12, 2023, to January 29, 2024. Main Outcomes and Measures: Adults with strabismus were propensity score matched on age, gender, race and ethnicity, income, educational level, and insurance status in a 1:1 ratio with adults without strabismus. The prevalences of anxiety, depression, substance use and addiction, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia spectrum disorder among adults with strabismus were compared with controls. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association of mental health conditions with sociodemographic factors in each group. Results: This study included 3646 adults with strabismus (median age, 67 years [IQR, 53-76 years]; 2017 women [55%]) and 3646 propensity score-matched controls (median age, 67 years [IQR, 53-76 years]; 2017 women [55%]). Individuals with strabismus had higher prevalences of anxiety (1153 [32%] vs 519 [14%]; difference, 17%; 95% CI, 15%-19%; P < .001), depression (1189 [33%] vs 514 [14%]; difference, 19%; 95% CI, 17%-20%; P < .001), substance use and addiction (116 [3%] vs 51 [1%]; difference, 2%; 95% CI, 1%-3%; P < .001), bipolar disorder (253 [7%] vs 101 [3%]; difference, 4%; 95% CI, 3%-5%; P < .001), and schizophrenia spectrum disorder (103 [3%] vs 36 [1%]; difference, 2%; 95% CI, 1%-3%; P < .001) compared with individuals without strabismus. Among adults with strabismus, higher odds of mental health conditions were associated with younger age (odds ratio [OR], 1.11 per 10-year decrease; 95% CI, 1.06-1.16 per 10-year decrease), female gender (OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.41-1.85), Black or African American race and ethnicity (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.01-1.48), low income (OR, 3.06; 95% CI, 2.56-3.67), and high school education or less (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.34-1.85). Conclusions and Relevance: In a diverse and nationwide cohort, adults with strabismus were more likely to have mental health conditions compared with adults without strabismus. Further investigation into the risk factors for poor mental health among adults with strabismus across sociodemographic backgrounds may offer novel opportunities for interventions to improve mental well-being in this population.

Changes in the amygdala produced by viewing strabismic eyes.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to look for the response to strabismus images in the limbic network (amygdala, hippocampus, parahippocampus) of healthy volunteers and to compare it with their reaction to viewing normal eyes. DESIGN: Prospective, observational study. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-one healthy volunteers underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). METHODS: Functional magnetic resonance imaging data and blood oxygen level-dependent signal changes were analyzed using the BrainVoyager QX software package (Brain Innovation, Maastricht, The Netherlands). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Responses to viewing strabismus images were compared with those observed while viewing normal eye images. RESULTS: Strabismus images led to significant activation of the amygdala, hippocampus, parahippocampal, and fusiform gyri in 30 of 31 subjects compared with normal eye images, indicating a negative emotional response. CONCLUSIONS: These fMRI results confirm that strabismus influences organically not only the patient with nonparallel eyes but also observers. Treatment of strabismus therefore changes the interpersonal dynamic for patients with strabismus on a demonstrable organic basis. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Development and application of the Chinese version of the adult strabismus quality of life questionnaire (AS-20): a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with strabismus experience visual dysfunction, self-image disorders, low self-esteem, and social and emotional barriers, which adversely influence their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Currently no strabismus-specific questionnaire is available in China to identify patients' quality of life and to evaluate the effectiveness of strabismus treatment. The aims of the present study were to validate the Chinese-language version of the Adult Strabismus Quality of Life Questionnaire (AS-20) and to evaluate the impacts of strabismus on the quality of life among Chinese strabismus patients. METHODS: Two hundred and fifty-five Chinese adults with strabismus, one hundred visually normal adults and one hundred patients with other eye diseases completed the Chinese version of AS-20. Psychometric properties of the Chinese AS-20 were examined by Cronbach's α coefficient, test-retest and split-half reliability, and construct and criterion-related validity. Independent-samples t test and one-way ANOVA analyses were conducted to explore the impact of demographic factors and clinical characteristics on HRQoL in Chinese strabismic adults. RESULTS: The final AS-20 in Chinese (AS-C) included 18 items and two subscales: psychosocial (12 items) and function (6 items). The Cronbach's α was 0.908 for overall scale, with 0.913 and 0.808 for 'psychosocial' and 'function' subscales respectively, indicating high internal consistency reliability. The mean of the overall AS-C score among strabismus patients was 62.80 ± 18.94, significantly lower than that in visually normal adults (t = -18.693, P < 0.001), and in patients with other eye diseases (t = -5.512, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The AS-C is a culturally appropriate tool to evaluate the HRQoL in Chinese strabismus adults. The psychosocial health well-being and overall quality of life in strabismic patients should receive greater emphasis.

The Impact of Strabismus on Psychosocial Equity.

Strabismus, the condition of misaligned eyes, can result in severe, long-lasting functional and psychosocial sequelae. This review examines existing literature that has described and quantified the psychosocial consequences of strabismus. In particular, the role of strabismus in creating social, psychological, and vocational disparities, and how these intersect with race, ethnicity, and gender, is described. The reviewed data suggest that negative perceptions of strabismus are formed early in life. Overall, exotropia is more easily noticed than esotropia. Esotropia is perceived more negatively than exotropia, and there is significant variation with respect to gender, racial, and ethnic groups. The data demonstrate that the presence of strabismus affects self-esteem, interpersonal relationships, and access to vocational opportunities. Surgical correction of strabismus has been shown to provide significant and long-lasting improvements in psychosocial well-being.

General health-related quality of life in preschool children with strabismus or amblyopia.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the associations of general health-related quality of life (GHRQOL) with strabismus or amblyopia in preschool children. DESIGN: Population-based study. PARTICIPANTS: Sample of children aged 25 to 72 months in the Multi-ethnic Pediatric Eye Disease Study (MEPEDS). METHODS: The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), a measure of GHRQOL, was administered to the parents of the children. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The PedsQL consists of 4 subscales (physical, emotional, social, and school functioning) and 3 composite scores (physical summary, psychosocial summary, and total). Regression models were used to evaluate the associations of GHRQOL with strabismus (in children 25-72 months) or amblyopia (in children 30-72 months). RESULTS: Of the 4218 children aged ≥25 months, 121 (2.9%) were diagnosed with strabismus. Significant differences were found in all 3 composite scores between children with and without strabismus, before and after controlling for gender, age, race, family income, systemic health conditions, and prior knowledge of strabismus diagnosis (P<0.05). These differences were present in esotropes, exotropes, children with intermittent strabismus, and children with constant strabismus. A total of 3318 children were aged ≥30 months, and 71 children (2.1%) had amblyopia. There were no significant differences in any PedsQL scores between children with and without amblyopia, even after adjusting for gender, age, race, and family income (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Strabismus was associated with significantly worse GHRQOL in preschool children. Although we did not find any detectable association between amblyopia and GHRQOL, further study using vision-specific instruments is required to explore the impact of both strabismus and amblyopia on pediatric quality of life.

[The psychological consequences of amblyopia]. / Psychologiczne nastepstwa niedowidzenia.

This is the review of references about problem of amblyopia and its psychosocial effects on children being cured. The study emphasies the need for psychological approach to problems that trouble children wearing glasses, suffering from strabismus and being cured by occlusion.

Saudi Children's Perception of Strabismus: A Hospital-Based Study.

PURPOSE: Children with strabismus may face difficulties interacting with their peers in elementary school. This study investigates the psychosocial effect of different types of strabismus on Saudi children's selection of a playmate. METHODS: Photographs of orthotropic children were digitally modified to simulate various magnitudes of strabismus. Orthotropic children with normal visual acuity viewed 18 sets of paired photographs and were asked to choose a playmate from each pair. Parents were asked to fill out a questionnaire on their socioeconomic background and to determine whether surgery should be indicated in strabismic patients for psychosocial reasons. Parents were also asked to rate their perception of seven personal characteristics of two images of the same child (one orthotropic and one strabismic). RESULTS: Two hundred and thirty-three children, aged 3-15 years (mean age: 9.94 [3.6] years), were studied. Children aged ≤6 years were significantly more likely not to distinguish between orthotropic children and those with strabismus (P < 0.001). Out of 233 participants, 69.6% were significantly in favor of orthotropic faces as opposed to 30.4% (P < 0.0001). Children perceived esotropia as less disturbing than exotropia and hypertropia (P < 0.001). Smaller magnitudes of strabismus were significantly preferred over larger angles (P < 0.001). Parents judged strabismic faces more negatively than orthotropic faces on all seven characteristics. Almost 88.4% of the adults thought that strabismic patients should undergo surgery for correction. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that children with apparent strabismus are perceived negatively and might be subjected to social alienation at a young age. Therefore, there is a need for strategies to address negative social bias toward children with strabismus and to enhance their peer acceptance in our society.

Associations of Eye-Related Quality of Life With Vision, Visuomotor Function, and Self-Perception in Children With Strabismus and Anisometropia.

Purpose: To evaluate associations between eye-related quality of life (ER-QOL) assessed by the Child Pediatric Eye Questionnaire (Child PedEyeQ) and functional measures (vision, visuomotor function, self-perception) in children with strabismus, anisometropia, or both. Our hypothesis was that children with functional deficits would have lower ER-QOL, and if so, these associations would support the convergent construct validity of the Child PedEyeQ. Methods: We evaluated 114 children (ages 5-11 years) with strabismus, anisometropia, or both. Each child completed the Child PedEyeQ to assess four Rasch-scored domains of ER-QOL: Functional Vision, Bothered by Eyes/Vision, Social, and Frustration/Worry. In addition, children completed one or more functional tests: visual acuity (n = 114), Randot Preschool Stereoacuity (n = 92), contrast balance index (suppression; n = 91), Readalyzer reading (n = 44), vergence instability (n = 50), Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 manual dexterity (n = 57), and Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence and Social Acceptance for Young Children (n = 44). Results: Child PedEyeQ Functional Vision domain scores were correlated with self-perception of physical competence (rs = 0.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.35-0.96) and reading speed (rs = 0.47; 95% CI, 0.16-0.77). Bothered by Eyes/Vision domain scores were correlated with self-perception of physical competence (rs = 0.52; 95% CI, 0.21-0.83). Moderate correlations were observed between Social domain scores and vergence instability (rs = -0.46; 95% CI, -0.76 to -0.15) and self-perception of physical competence (rs = 0.43; 95% CI, 0.12-0.73) and peer acceptance (rs = 0.49; 95% CI, 0.18-0.80). Frustration/Worry domain scores were moderately correlated with self-perception of physical competence (rs = 0.41; 95% CI, 0.10-0.71) and peer acceptance (rs = 0.47; 95% CI, 0.16-0.77). Conclusions: Strong and moderate correlations were observed between functional measures and Child PedEyeQ domain scores. These associations provide supporting evidence that the Child PedEyeQ has convergent construct validity.