Postural stability in strabismus and amblyopia.

BACKGROUND

Postural control is a complex skill based on the collaboration of dynamic sensory mechanisms, namely the visual, vestibular, and somatosensory systems.

METHODS

A literature survey regarding postural stability in strabismus and amblyopia was conducted using databases in order to collect data for a narrative review of published reports and available literature.

RESULTS

The results of the literature survey were analyzed to provide an overview of the current knowledge of postural stability in strabismus and amblyopia. The results revealed that although postural control depends on the fundamental integration of three essential components (the visual, vestibular, and somatosensory systems), the role of vision is critical in postural stability. Once normal binocular vision is undesirably disrupted in childhood by some reason, especially in strabismus and/or amblyopia, balance is also affected. Abnormal balance affects coordination in gross and fine motor controls in school-age children and results in weakened academic performance and delayed social progress. It also impacts a child's general health, self-esteem, and safety.

CONCLUSIONS

Binocular vision is imperative for the maturation and preservation of balance control in children, as balance performance is reduced in strabismus and/or amblyopia.