Health-related quality of life correlated with the clinical severity of intermittent exotropia in children

Abstract

To evaluate whether the results of the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is associated with the various clinical aspects of intermittent exotropia in children. The HRQOL of children and their parents was evaluated prospectively using the Intermittent Exotropia Questionnaire (IXTQ). The deviation angle, stereo function, sensory fusion, and strabismus control were measured. Two hundred and sixty six children with intermittent exotropia (aged 5-17 years) were included in the study. Child HRQOL was significantly correlated with clinical severity; lower IXTQ scores were associated with a larger deviation (p < 0.001 both for distance and near) and poorer Newcastle control scores (p < 0.001). Proxy child HRQOL was significantly correlated with the deviation (p < 0.001), Newcastle control scores (p < 0.001) and stereo function (p < 0.05). Parent HRQOL was associated with their child's deviation (p < 0.01) and stereo function (p < 0.005). Multiple linear regression analysis suggested that the deviation angle at distance and the Newcastle control score at home were associated with the child's HRQOL. Both the child and their parents' HRQOL showed a trend toward correlating with clinical severity. Large deviation, poor control, and poor stereo function were significantly associated with lower IXTQ scores. The deviation angle at distance and exotropia control at home were associated with the child's HRQOL.