SUBJECTIVE AND OBJECTIVE OUTCOMES OF STRABISMUS SURGERY IN CHILDREN

Background: The negative psychosocial impact of strabismus in adults h as been well documented. Despite the increasingly recognized importanc e of outcomes research, parents' satisfaction with strabismus treatmen t in childhood and their assessment of its functional impact and ''qua lity of life'' impact have not been investigated. Methods: A survey in strument was designed to assess parents' perceptions of preoperative, surgical, and postoperative phases of the clinical experience, includi ng the long-term impact of surgery on their children. Results: Overall satisfaction with the surgical result was rated ''good'' or ''very go od'' in 85% of 77 children under age 6. The correlation between subjec tive satisfaction and objective alignment within 10 prism diopters (De lta) of orthophoria was significant (P<.001). Parents of children unde r age 4 noted improved eye contact (61%) and appearance (94%). Parents of older children noted improved interactions with others (47%) and s elf-esteem (55%). Coordination was considered improved in 56% of the e ntire group. Subjective satisfaction and psychosocial benefits often o ccurred even in cases deemed objectively unsuccessful. Conclusion: Sur gical correction of strabismus in childhood is clearly perceived by pa rents to be both successful and important to them and their children.