Eye Deviation correlated to Mental Health Problems


Eye DeviationRecent research suggests that young children, predominantly boys, confirmed as suffering from eye deviation or intermittent exotropia are more likely to suffer mental health problems later in life.

Intermittent exotropia is a common condition that affects the eyes of approximately 1% of the population, causing one or both eyes to spontaneously deviate away from the nose. It is usually diagnosed shortly after birth and in many cases resolves spontaneously, leaving the patient with no lasting problems. Many sufferers report few symptoms, only occasional on off double vision and associated nausea. The condition can be controlled with regular eye exercises, or if more severe, surgery.

The study published in the journal Archives Of Opthalmology, looked at medical records of participants with and without the condition over a 20-year period. 183 records were analysed by scientists at the Mayo Clinic in America, of children aged under-19 years. Adequate controls, i.e. children of the same age without visual problems, were paired with participants to make the results fair. Mental health monitoring occurred up to an average age of 22.

Over the entire 20-year period, over half of the children in the study with the condition were diagnosed as suffering from mental health problems. This is compared to one third in the control group. The scientists believe this is a significant difference in risk. When analysing the results for different sexes, it was found that boys with the condition, on average had a 15% increased chance of mental health problems later in life than girls. In the control group the difference was 5%. It was further noted that males suffering from intermittent exotropia had higher rates of hospital admission, drug use and suicide attempts. An increased level of suicidal thoughts, so called ideation, was found in females with the condition.

It has been suggested that these problems could occur due to the discrimination and stigma faced by patients with the condition. This was recently dispelled by studies that found no evidence of discrimination towards people with intermittent exotropia, however prejudice towards sufferers has been demonstrated in children.

The authors have stated that the study was primarily concerned with monitoring the rate of mental health in the affected population. They suggest that further study is needed into both the psychological and social aspects of the condition, to improve both the care and treatment available.

11th July 2009

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