Strabismus in the north of Mexico: Clinical characteristics in a pediatric population at public and private health institutions

Abstract

Introduction: Strabismus is one of the main causes of visual disability. Most cases are reversible with appropriate treatment; however, several factors can influence its diagnosis. Objective: To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of strabismus in children from northern Mexico. Methods: We carried out a study to analyze the characteristics associated with strabismus in pediatric patients of a private hospital (Centro Médico Zambrano Hellion [CMZH]) and a primary care center (CeSI). Results: One-hundred and eighty nine patients were included. Median age at strabismus onset was 11 months, with a median age of 3.3 years when attending the clinic for the 1st time, and the average time to seek medical care was of 13 months. Age of onset was higher in CMZH. However, the time it took patients to seek medical care was higher in CeSI (p < 0.001). The prevalence of amblyopia was significantly higher in CeSI (p = 0.007). Conclusions: This is the first study that describes the clinical and demographic characteristics associated with a diagnosis of strabismus in northern Mexico. Our results agree with other studies in Mexican and American populations. By analyzing the socioeconomic characteristics of the population, we conclude that it is of utmost importance to ensure that low-income population has access to specialized health services in order to receive an appropriate treatment.