Pediatria pre prax 1/2022

Strabismus screening in primary care pediatric practice

Strabismus is a condition where the eye alignment is not parallel. Prevalence of strabismus in child population is around 3–8 %. The incidence of strabismus peaks at the age of 2–4 years, while congenital strabismus occurs within the first 6 months of age. An asymmetrical eye alignment makes the correct retinal stimulation impossible. This leads to an impairment in the development of visual functions. Improper retinal stimulation activates an adaptation mechanism in form of a cortical suppression which increases the risk of “lazy eye“ – amblyopia. Amblyopia is reduced corrected vision in an eye with no apparent organic pathology of the eye itself or of the visual pathway. The development of visual functions and binocular vision is complete by the age of 8–9 years. If treatment is not provided prior to the age of 6 years, the impairment remains permanent. Early diagnosis is the key to an effective therapy.

Keywords: strabismus, amblyopia, visual acuity, screening