Ophthalmologic findings in a pediatric cochlear implant population.

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 ophthalmo-logic 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.