Prevalence and outcomes of childhood visual disorders.
OBJECTIVE
This population-based study examines the prevalence of childhood visual disorders: amblyopia (strabismus, refractive errors) and organic disease. It also assesses treatment outcomes, visual impairment and residual amblyopia.


METHODS
1582 children were retrospectively analysed on treatment completion (age 8-9 years). Significant visual disorders included: esotropia, exotropia, anisometropia (hyperopia > or = 1.50DS, astigmatism > or = 1.00DC, myopia > or = 1.50DS), ametropia (hyperopia > or = 1.50DS, astigmatism > or = 1.0DC, myopia > or = 0.75DS) and organic defects.


RESULTS
198 children (12.5%) had a significant visual disorder: strabismus (3.98%), eso:exo rate 5:1, anisometropia (2.34%), ametropia (5.82%), organic defects (0.38%). Organic disease caused visual handicap (< 6/18 in better eye) in 0.13%. Amblyopic visual impairment (6/18; 6/24-6/60) occurred in 1.13%; 2.02% had residual amblyopia (6/12 or worse).


CONCLUSIONS
Childhood visual disorders are a common problem. Unfavourable visual outcomes in esotropia are related to two sub-groups and particularly with poor concordance to treatment. Suggested strategies to improve outcomes include health promotion, an "Amblyopia Nurse" and a "Patch Club".
Donnelly
Ursula M
UM
Community Eye Clinic, Newry and Mourne Health and Social Services Trust, Newry, N. Ireland, UK. ursula.donnelly@dhn.n-i.nhs.uk
Stewart
Nuala M
NM
Hollinger
Mina
M
D000550:Amblyopia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009660:Northern Ireland / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012030:Refractive Errors / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013285:Strabismus / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D014792:Visual Acuity; D019987:Persons with Visual Disabilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*