Subjective and objective outcomes of strabismus surgery in children.

Abstract

The negative psychosocial impact of strabismus in adults has been well documented. Despite the increasingly recognized importance of outcomes research, parents' satisfaction with strabismus treatment in childhood and their assessment of its functional impact and "quality of life" impact have not been investigated. A survey instrument was designed to assess parents' perceptions of preoperative, surgical, and postoperative phases of the clinical experience, including the long-term impact of surgery on their children. Overall satisfaction with the surgical result was rated "good" or "very good" in 85% of 77 children under age 6. The correlation between subjective satisfaction and objective alignment within 10 prism diopters (delta) of orthophoria was significant (P < .001). Parents of children under age 4 noted improved eye contact (61%) and appearance (94%). Parents of older children noted improved interactions with others (47%) and self-esteem (55%). Coordination was considered improved in 56% of the entire group. Subjective satisfaction and psychosocial benefits often occurred even in cases deemed objectively unsuccessful. Surgical correction of strabismus in childhood is clearly perceived by parents to be both successful and important to them and their children.