Analysis of the degree of visual acuity in patients with mandibular asymmetry

Recently, there has been a rapprochement between disciplines interested in the functioning of the stomatognathic system and ophthalmological alterations, particularly visual function. There is evidence of the relationship between craniofacial anatomical factors and dysfunctions in TMJ biomechanics. Our work investigates the possible relationship between facial asymmetry of mandibular origin and visual acuity in a young adult population. The sample population consisted of 25 subjects (14 female and 11 male) with mandibular asymmetry diagnosed with the Simões Panorogram and the Planas Masticatory Functional Angle to determine the presence or absence of preferential chewing. Likewise, a Snellen chart and an ocular occlude were used to measure visual acuity. To determine the correlation between preferential chewing and the degree of visual acuity, Spearman’s Rho test was used with a 95 % confidence level. The SPSS V.26 statistical program was used. 52 % of the subjects were asymmetrical due to preferential chewing, and 42 % were asymmetric for different reasons. Subjects with unilateral preferential chewing had more excellent visual acuity on the side of asymmetry. Here, we report a positive relationship between subjects who presented asymmetry due to preferential chewing and more excellent ipsilateral visual acuity.