Factors associated with a previous diagnosis of strabismus in a population-based sample of 12-year-old Australian children.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the prevalence of strabismus and factors associated with its diagnosis in a representative sample of older Australian children.


METHODS
Cross-sectional, population-based study.


METHODS
A representative stratified random cluster sample of 2353 children (aged 12 years) attending 21 secondary schools in Sydney, Australia was examined in 2004 to 2005 (response 75.3%). Cover testing was performed at near (30 cm) and distance (6 m); cycloplegic autorefraction, visual acuity, and stereoacuity were assessed. Previous strabismus diagnosis was obtained from parental questionnaires.


RESULTS
Strabismus was evident in 64 children (2.7%); 21 (33%) had esotropia, 27 (42%) had exotropia, and 16 (25%) had microstrabismus. There were no gender (P = .2) or ethnicity (P = .6) associations. Previous diagnosis by an eye practitioner was noted in 27 (42%). This was related to hyperopia (P = .04), esotropia (P = .001), and amblyopia (P = .001).


CONCLUSIONS
Strabismus was relatively infrequent in this Australian childhood sample. Its diagnosis was strongly related to presence of esotropia, hyperopia, and amblyopia.
Robaei
Dana
D
Department of Ophthalmology, Centre for Vision Research, Westmead Hospital and the Westmead Millennium Institute, Sydney, Australia.
Kifley
Annette
A
Mitchell
Paul
P
D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005139:Eyeglasses; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009517:New South Wales / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012683:Sensory Deprivation; D013285:Strabismus / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy