Does Correction of Strabismus Improve Quality of Life in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Results of a Parent Survey by Ophthalmologists.
OBJECTIVE
Ophthalmic problems are reported to be common in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and strabismus is of particular importance. We aimed to investigate the outcomes of strabismus management in cases with ASD and identify the impact of optical or surgical correction of the strabismus on the child using a questionnaire for parents.


METHODS
A survey was designed to assess parents' perceptions of pre-management and post-management quality of life in 41 children aged 5-17 years with ASD and strabismus using a questionnaire with 10 questions, including three subscales.


RESULTS
Significant improvements were noted after management in functional limitations (P < 0.01), psychosocial interactions (P < 0.01), and ocular alignment (P < 0.01) subscales.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first study of the literature that investigated the impact of ocular re-alignment on behavioral patterns and social interactions of children with ASD and strabismus.
a Department of Ophthalmology, Ministry of Health , Dr. Sami Ulus Maternity and Children Research and Training Hospital , Ankara , Turkey.
Pinar
P
Altiaylik Ozer
a Department of Ophthalmology, Ministry of Health , Dr. Sami Ulus Maternity and Children Research and Training Hospital , Ankara , Turkey.
Emrah Utku
EU
Kabatas
b Department of Public Health , Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine , Ankara , Turkey.
Burcu
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5615-264X
B
Kucuk Bicer
c Department of Child Psychiatry, Ministry of Health , Dr. Sami Ulus Maternity and Children Research and Training Hospital , Ankara , Turkey.
Sahin
S
Bodur
a Department of Ophthalmology, Ministry of Health , Dr. Sami Ulus Maternity and Children Research and Training Hospital , Ankara , Turkey.
Bengi Ece
BE
Kurtul
D000293:Adolescent; D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D000072163:Ophthalmologists; D010290:Parents; D011788:Quality of Life; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013285:Strabismus / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome
Autism spectrum disorder; quality of life; strabismus