Determination of Ocular Manifestations in Patients with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

The present study evaluate and assess the visual acuity, refractive error, ocular alignment and movement, anterior and posterior segment of the eye, and other eye manifestations in cerebral palsy patients. Cerebral palsy is a term used to describe a variety of neurological disorders caused by abnormal brain development or permanent injury to brain tissue, which affects muscle tone and limb movement and results in abnormal motor function. It makes it harder for the body to move purposefully and in unison. This is a hospital based, descriptive, cross-sectional, non-interventional study done in Navodaya Medical College Hospital and Research Centre. Duration of this study was from august 2019 to August 2020. The result shows that spastic type of cerebral palsy was the most common. 84% of children were found to have refractive error. Hypermetropia (36%) followed by hypermetropic astigmatism (30%) was most commonly seen refractive error among these children. Alternating convergent squint (20%) was the most common form of strabismus. Ptosis (2%), nystagmus (8%) and optic nerve head hypoplasia (6%) were also found. Cortical visual impairment was found in 12% of children with cerebral palsy. Healthcare professionals need to be aware of these manifestations and the parents/guardians need to be counselled regarding the upbringing of such children so as to influence overall development of children with cerebral palsy. Most cerebral palsy patients are found to have some ocular abnormalities. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct routine ophthalmic examinations at regular intervals to prevent complications in these kids. This will help to cater to the needs of these children ensuring their overall development.