Evaluation of new quality of life questionnaire in children with strabismus and amblyopia before and after re‐education

Abstract

Abstract Purpose To evaluate a new quality of life questionnaire in children presenting a strabismus with abnormal retinal correspondence and amblyopia before and after reeducation. Methods Twenty children of a mean age of 4,2 yo (range 2‐7yo) were included with a strabismus with 3 type deviations. They presented amblyopia of at least 2 lines VA. They underwent a complete ocular and orthoptic examination with binocular quantification. At the consultation, parents and child completed a self‐administered questionnaire of quality of life. The questionnaire has three major items including a total of 10 criterions. Criterions were quoted by 4 colors corresponding to a score (from 0 to 30) reflecting the daily activity. Children were treated with optical correction, eye‐patching and orthoptic reeducation as needed. Six months after, examination and questionnaire was completed again to appreciate the progression of the children capacities. Results Of the twenty children, 16 presented an esotropia, 4 an exotropia and 10 an isolated or associated vertical hypertropia. The mean rate of the questionnaire at baseline was 18. The twenty patients who presented an amblyopia had an improvement of VA after treatment. After 6 months, rate of all questionnaires was improved with a mean score of 25. Conclusion Very few QOL questionnaires had been developed and even more in ophthalmology. This questionnaire appears simple to complete for parents and children, it can also be a basis to evaluate the progress of amblyopia reeducation.