Ophthalmic complications of childhood medulloblastoma

Background. To study the ophthalmic complications and sequelae in children surviving medulloblastoma in order to assess the need for therapeutic inter vention by the ophthalmologist. Procedure. We identified all children atten ding the Leeds General Infirmary and St. lames' University Hospital for tre atment of medulloblastoma in the period January 1990 to March 1997, and the notes of all surviving patients were reviewd. Those patients who had not h ad an ophthalmic assessment within the last 6 months were recalled for exam ination. Results. Twenty-four surviving patients underwent full ophthalmic assessment. The follow-up period ranged between 6 months and 7 years (range 3.6 yr): 66% had ocular symptoms at presentation; 25% developed ocular com plications following treatment; 50% were left with ocular sequelae; 41% per cent required ophthalmic intervention (25% medical/orthoptic intervention; 16% surgical intervention). Conclusions. Early (preferably preoperative) re ferral to the ophthalmotogy department is important in order to ensure appr opriate management of diplopia, preservation of binocular single vision, an d prevention of amblyopia in younger children. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.