Impact of Strabismus Surgery on Quality of Life in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients
Overview
Strabismus surgery significantly improves emotional, social, and school-related quality of life domains in children and adolescents, while physical functioning remains unchanged. Parents also report improvements in physical, emotional, and social functioning of their children postoperatively.
Background
Strabismus surgery aims not only to correct ocular alignment but also to enhance quality of life and psychosocial well-being, especially in school-age and adolescent patients. Children with strabismus often face psychological challenges including low self-esteem and social avoidance. Quality of life scales have been developed to assess these impacts, but studies focusing on pediatric populations remain limited. This study prospectively evaluated the effects of strabismus surgery on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children aged 7 to 17 and their parents' perceptions.
Data Highlights
Domain
Patient Preop
Patient 1 Month Postop
Patient 3 Months Postop
Parent Preop
Parent 1 Month Postop
Parent 3 Months Postop
Physical Functioning
Not significantly changed
Not significantly changed
Not reported
Significant improvement (p < 0.001)
Significant improvement (p < 0.001)
Not reported
Emotional Functioning
Significant improvement (p < 0.05)
Significant improvement (p < 0.05)
Not reported
Significant improvement (p < 0.05)
Significant improvement (p < 0.05)
Not reported
Social Functioning
Significant improvement (p < 0.001)
Significant improvement (p < 0.001)
Not reported
Significant improvement (p < 0.001)
Significant improvement (p < 0.001)
Not reported
School-Related Problems
Significant improvement (p < 0.05)
Significant improvement (p < 0.05)
Not reported
No significant change (p > 0.05)
No significant change (p > 0.05)
Not reported
Key Findings
Emotional, social, and school-related quality of life domains improved significantly in children after strabismus surgery.
Physical functioning scores did not change significantly in children postoperatively.
Parents reported significant improvements in their child's physical, emotional, and social functioning after surgery.
School-related problems did not show significant change according to parents' assessments.
The study included 27 children aged 7–17 years with successful surgical outcomes defined as postoperative deviation ≤10 PD.
Quality of life was assessed using validated HRQOL scales completed preoperatively and at 1 and 3 months postoperatively.
Clinical Implications
Strabismus surgery in pediatric and adolescent patients can lead to meaningful improvements in psychosocial well-being and social functioning, which are critical during school-age years. Clinicians should consider these quality of life benefits when counseling patients and families about surgical intervention. Monitoring both patient and parent perspectives provides a comprehensive understanding of postoperative outcomes.
Conclusion
Strabismus surgery significantly enhances emotional, social, and school-related quality of life in children and adolescents, with parents corroborating improvements in multiple domains. Physical functioning remains stable, highlighting the psychosocial focus of surgical benefits.
Related Resources & Content
Introduction references [1-11] -- Various studies on strabismus surgery and quality of life
Study Ethics and Methods -- Gazi Yasargil Training and Research Hospital Ethics Committee Approval 2024
Background music and multimedia exposure were associated with lower patient-reported anxiety in a quasi-experimental ophthalmology clinic study that used existing clinic audiovisual infrastructure at no additional cost.
