Prevalence of visual dysfunction and ocular motility disorders in developmentally delayed patients

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of reduced visual acuity (VA), refractive errors (RE), reduced contrast sensitivity and strabismus in developmentally delayed (DD) patients. METHODS: This descriptive cross sectional study was carried out in Ophthalmology Departments of Mayo Hospital, Lahore, The Children’s Hospital, Lahore and The Children’s Hospital, Multan from June 2019 to December 2019. We recruited 257 patients of either gender, between the ages of 06-16 years having intelligence quotient (IQ) ≤ 80 by Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) from the out-patient departments. Detailed systemic and ophthalmic history was taken and through anterior and posterior segment examination was carried out. VA was assessed with age matched VA charts. Cycloplegic refraction with 1% cyclopentolate was carried out. Contrast sensitivity was measured with hiding Heidi charts. Strabismus was assessed with Hirschberg and covers /uncover tests. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 8.88 years with standard deviation (SD) of ± 2.70. The prevalence of reduced VA, RE, strabismus and reduced contrast sensitivity in these children were 43.58%, 52.92%, 52.14% and 32.7% respectively. Out of these 52.92% RE, 56 (21.79%) were myopic, 66 (25.68%) were hyperopic and 14 (05.45%) were astigmatic. The percentage of esotropia was 72 (28.02%) and exotropia was 62 (24.12%). CONCLUSION: The results of our study in DD children have shown that a significant number of children have reduced VA, RE, strabismus and reduced contrast sensitivity. Apart from general management of DD children by a pediatrician, the ophthalmic management of these problems must be carried out by a pediatric ophthalmologist to improve their quality of life.