A Pattern Strabismus in Myelomeningocele

Abstract

Previous studies of ophthalmologic problems in patients with myelomeningocele have reported the high prevalence of strabismus but have not thoroughly analyzed the type of strabismus. In an evaluation of 225 patients with myelomeningocele at Newington Children's Hospital in Connecticut, strabismus was encountered in half of all patients. Of these, half had A-pattern strabismus, both convergent and divergent, most with, overaction of the superior oblique muscle. This pattern can be present in the infant as well as the older child, but detecting it can be difficult. The importance of its recognition is in doing the appropriate surgery, namely superior oblique weakening procedures along with horizontal muscle surgery.

• ‘A’ Pattern strabismus
• myelomeningocele
• hydrocephalus