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. 2023 Apr:248:87-95.
doi: 10.1016/j.ajo.2022.11.014. Epub 2022 Nov 18.

Strabismus and Nystagmus in Patients With Pediatric Cataracts: Study Using Insurance Claims Data

Su-Jin Kim  1 , Kristin Slinger  2 , Scott R Lambert  2 , Euna Koo  2 , Ann Shue  2 , Tawna L Roberts  3
Affiliations

Strabismus and Nystagmus in Patients With Pediatric Cataracts: Study Using Insurance Claims Data

Su-Jin Kim et al. Am J Ophthalmol. 2023 Apr.

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the characteristics and prevalence of strabismus and nystagmus in children diagnosed with cataracts using a national insurance claims database.

Design: Population-based retrospective cohort study.

Methods: Patients aged <13 years diagnosed with cataracts (traumatic cataracts excluded) and enrolled continuously in their health care program for ≥5 years after their first cataract diagnosis were identified in a retrospective review of 66 million charts in Optum's de-identified Clinformatics Data Mart Database between 2003 and 2015. Patients were categorized based on age of their first diagnosed cataract, and if cataract surgery was performed. Clinical and demographic factors associated with the occurrence of strabismus and nystagmus were evaluated.

Results: Of 1636 children diagnosed with cataract, 434 (26.5%) and 109 (6.7%) were diagnosed with strabismus and nystagmus, respectively. Both strabismus and nystagmus were more common in those who underwent cataract surgery (P < .001) and in patients diagnosed with cataract at ≤12 months of age (P < .001). Survival analysis demonstrated that strabismus and nystagmus may be diagnosed 8 years after the initial cataract diagnosis. Cox proportional hazard regression analyses revealed strabismus was associated with cataract surgery, nystagmus, and the diagnosis with cataract at ≤12 months and cataract surgery at >12 months.

Conclusions: As strabismus and nystagmus occur more frequently in children diagnosed with cataracts necessitating cataract surgery, regular long-term follow-up is crucial for these children to monitor for the development of strabismus and nystagmus.

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Figures

FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 1.
Flow diagram illustrating the inclusion and exclusion criteria for the study sample.
FIGURE 2.
FIGURE 2.
Kaplan-Meyer survival curve for strabismus and nystagmus after cataract diagnosis in children.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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