Cross Eyes Could Lead to Nearsightedness


New research shows that children with cross eyes are at an increased risk of developing nearsightedness as they grow older. The research, published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology, shows that up to 91% of children with cross eyes, or intermittent exotropia, could become nearsighted before reaching their twenties. Researchers also found that children who have had surgery to correct the misalignment of their eyes could be just as likely to develop nearsightedness in adulthood.

Researchers, led by Dr Brian Mohney of the Mayo Clinic, studied the medical records of 135 children who had been diagnosed with intermittent exotropia between 1975 and 1994. They found that almost half of the children sampled had become nearsighted before the age of ten and 91% had become nearsighted before reaching the age of twenty. The researchers also discovered that children who had undergone surgery to correct their ‘cross eyed’ vision were just as likely to develop nearsightedness. Researchers are unable to confirm whether intermittent exotropia directly causes nearsightedness. But, lead researcher Dr Mohney claims, at the very least, intermittent exotropia should be considered as a risk factor for the condition.

Whilst intermittent exotropia is more common in children in Asia, the study has raised concern that childhood eye problems could progressively worsen even if identified and treated at a young age. It is currently thought that as many as one in five British school children have an unidentified eye problem. Lead researcher Dr Mohney hopes that the research will lead to an increase in the regularity of children’s eye exams worldwide which may in-turn lead to earlier diagnosis and better treatment of childhood eye conditions that could otherwise progressively worsen with age

15th April 2010

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