Longterm oculomotor and visual function in spina bifida cystica: a population-based study.
OBJECTIVE
To document and describe the development from birth of visual and oculomotor functions in a group of children with spina bifida cystica (myelomeningocele and myeloschisis [MMC]). The emphasis in this study is on findings at 12-14 year follow-up.


METHODS
Twenty children aged 12-14 years with myelomeningocele and Chiari-related malformations were examined by an orthoptist and a paediatric ophthalmologist. A further child who did not wish to participate actively in the study is also reported. Visual acuity for near and distance, refractometer readings in cycloplegia, the presence of ocular motility disorders and nystagmus were recorded. Accommodation, convergence, colour vision and stereo acuity were assessed and the fundus and media were examined.


RESULTS
Six children (29%) in the study group had subnormal vision, although no child was visually impaired. Eleven (52%) showed manifest strabismus and 17 (81%) had a significant refractive error. Near visual acuity was normal in nearly all the children, but accommodation was defective in 10. Nine children had nystagmus and two had optic atrophy. No visual field defects were found.


CONCLUSIONS
The high incidence of ocular disturbances in children with spina bifida highlights the importance of regular ophthalmological investigation and follow-up.
Caines
Elizabeth
E
Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden. elizabeth.caines@akademiska.se
Dahl
Margareta
M
Holmström
Gerd
G
D000065:Accommodation, Ocular / Q000502:physiology; D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003118:Color Perception / Q000502:physiology; D003290:Convergence, Ocular / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015835:Ocular Motility Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016137:Spina Bifida Cystica / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology*; D014794:Visual Fields / Q000502:physiology