Ophthalmologic manifestations in autism spectrum disorder

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to describe the ophthalmologic manifestations found in patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and to assess their prevalence in the different types of ASD.

Materials and Methods: it is a prospective observational study in which we have included 344 patients with ASD for 8 and a half years. They were classified into four ASD subgroups and we analysed data obtained from ophthalmological exploration.
Statistical analysis used: Chi Square, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests.

Results: 48.41% of the patients had refractive defects, being the most prevalent hyperopia and astigmatism. There is a higher prevalence of myopia in Asperger Syndrome. The study of extraocular motility showed the presence of strabismus in 15.41% of patients, with a statistically significant higher prevalence in Autism and Other disorders groups. The most frequent type of strabismus was exotropia. Convergence was found normal in 43.61% of the patients. Nystagmus was observed in only 0.87%. In the binocular sensory tests performed, the Asperger Syndrome group presented better results with a statistically significant difference. Optic nerve abnormalities were found in 4% of cases, with higher prevalence in Other disorders group in a statistically significant way.

Conclusion: ophthalmologic manifestations in patients with ASD are found more frequently than in general child population. Of these, the most frequent are refractive defects and ocular motility disorder. Therefore, we consider it necessary to perform an ophthalmological evaluation in patients with Autism Spectrum Disorders.