Ocular Manifestations Associated with Cerebral Palsy Among Rural Bangladeshi Children

Background: Neurological disorders known as cerebral palsy affect movement and posture in a large number of patients leading to visual complications. Evaluation of ocular symptoms among children with cerebral palsy leads to timely treatment and care procedures. Objective: This study investigates the prevalence and patterns of ocular disorders among children with cerebral palsy in rural Bangladesh. Methodology: This two-year research period happened at the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed from September 2019 to February 2021. Visual acuity tests, cycloplegic refraction and fundoscopic examinations were performed on 170 children who had cerebral palsy. SPSS-26 and MS Excel software were used to conduct the statistical examinations using a p<0.05 level of significance. Results: A high number of refractive errors (75.3%) were detected in the study group and astigmatism (44.7%) turned out to be the most frequently observed condition. Out of all patients examined the researchers discovered strabismus in 34.1% of cases yet exotropia was more common at 18.8% when compared to esotropia at 15.3%. Out of all participants, 10.6% displayed pale optic discs whereas 1.8% exhibited deep cupping during fundoscopic examination. Regular fundus examination results were normal for 87.6% of the total children studied. Conclusion: Cerebral palsy children show high occurrence rates of both refractive errors and strabismus as ocular complications. The evaluation of vision along with prompt interventions by an Ophthalmologist plays an important role in enhancing both the visual performance and life quality of patients. The incorporation of eye care services into rehabilitation treatments and increased patient knowledge about these services will produce better long-term results for children with affected vision.