Abstract
Purpose:
To report ocular findings in a cohort of children requiring pediatric cochlear implant and to evaluate the usefulness of routine ophthalmologic examination in such children.
Methods:
This was a prospective study of ophthalmologic assessment of 47 consecutive children aged 10 months to 12 years from the cochlear implant program of our hospital.
Results:
All children underwent complete ocular assessment consisting of orthoptic and ophthalmologic examination, including cycloplegic refraction. A total of 18 children (38.3%) had some form of ocular abnormality, with the majority (14 patients, 29.8%) having refractive errors. Hypermetropia was the most common refractive error (21.3%), followed by astigmatism (8.5%). Strabismus was found in 6 patients, with esotropia being the most common type. Other ocular findings included ptosis (1 patient) and epicanthal folds (3 patients). During the follow-up period, 9 children were fitted with glasses, 3 underwent occlusion therapy, 2 underwent strabismus surgery, and 1 underwent ptosis surgery.
Conclusions:
Thorough orthoptic and ophthalmologic examination is useful for ensuring optimal visual function in children undergoing cochlear implantation.
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