Incidence and characteristics of strabismus in patients from the Ecuadorian province of Tungurahua
Keywords:
epidemiology, incidence, esotropia, exotropia, strabismousAbstract
Introduction: strabismus is an ocular disorder characterized by binocular misalignment. Its global prevalence in infants is estimated between 2.00 %-4.00 % of the world's population. In Ecuador, updated information on its incidence in local populations is insufficient. Hence, the importance of conducting studies focused on specific regions.
Objective: to describe some epidemiological characteristics of strabismus in patients treated at the Ambato General Teaching Hospital.
Methods: an observational, descriptive, and retrospective study; 103 medical records were reviewed. The variables analyzed were age, sex, and type of strabismus. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis were used. Established ethical principles were adhered to.
Results: 103 patients were diagnosed with strabismus; the cumulative incidence was 1.40 %. The convergent type was most common (32.10-50.20 %), followed by the divergent type (21.40-45.10 %), and the vertical type was least common (4.30-13.70 %). The ratio between the number of men (r = 0,915; p = 0,005) and women (r = 0,892; p = 0,013) treated was not statistically significant (r = 0,723; p = 0,087).
Conclusions: the cumulative incidence of strabismus was below the figures reported in the international literature. The slight upward trend in this diagnosis among women should be investigated to identify possible predisposing factors. Although this study focused on a specific institution in the province of Tungurahua, the data it provided are relevant for future research at the national level
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