Non-strabismic binocular vision dysfunctions between 5 and 19 years of age

Abstract

<em><strong>Objective</strong><em> To determine the prevalence of non-strabismic binocular vision dysfunctions (NSBVD) in subjects studying in public schools in Pereira. <em><strong>Materials and methods</strong><em> 508 students between 5 and 19 years of age were subjected to a full optometric assessment. This included measurement of ocular deviation (prism cover test) positive and negative fusional reserves (3 and 0.40 m) near point of convergence using a real object and red filter and light stereopsis (Randot stereotest) AC/A calculated, accommodative response (Nott retinoscopy) flexibility of accommodation (flipper ± 2.00 D at 40 cm), and amplitude of accommodation (push up and push down). Diagnostic criteria suggested by Sheiman and Wick and the American Optometric Association were followed. <em><strong>Results</strong><em> NSBVD was present in 19.5% of the participants, as well as an accommodative and a vergence problem in 1.8% of them, while one of these alterations was found in 17.7%. <em><strong>Conclusions</strong><em> Although the prevalence of NSBVD was high, it was lower than reported in previous studies, mainly because the population evaluated in those works came from optometry clinics, which lead to an overestimation of the frequency of these problems.