Abstract
Purpose :
The purpose of this study is to report refractive amblyopia secondary to astigmatism in patients with distichiasis.
Methods :
A retrospective review of all patients seen by one physician from January 1, 2000 to the present with a diagnosis of distichiasis was performed. Four cases of distichiasis, all associated with refractive amblyopia, were identified.
Results :
Four patients, ages three to seven, were found to have refractive amblyopia in the setting of astigmatism secondary to distichiasis. They were initially referred to the pediatric ophthalmology office with varied complaints including: light sensitivity, excessive mucus production, and a failed vision screening. Two patients had distichiasis of both upper and lower eyelids while one had distichiasis of the upper eyelids only and one had distichiasis of the lower eyelids only. Amounts of astigmatism in an affected eye ranged from +1.50 to +4.50. Two patients had unilateral refractive amblyopia and two patients had bilateral refractive amblyopia with one eye worse than the other eye. All patients were treated with glasses and one patient required patching. One patient underwent genetic testing and was diagnosed with Lymphedema Distichiasis Syndrome.
Conclusions :
Astigmatism is a reported finding in patients with distichiasis, however, refractive amblyopia secondary to astigmatism has not been previously reported. Refractive amblyopia would be an expected complication in patients with astigmatism that is present in early childhood. Refractive amblyopia can occur in patients with distichiasis and highlights the need for careful monitoring of these patients by a pediatric ophthalmologist.
This is a 2020 ARVO Annual Meeting abstract.