Abstract

Aim: Except for coloboma (incorporated with CHARGE syndrome), there is insufficient data about ophthalmologic anomalies associated with esophageal atresia (EA) (error of refraction, strabismus, retinal pathology, etc). In this study, we present the results of ophthalmologic evaluations of patients who underwent surgery with the indication of EA.

Material and Methods: The results of ophthalmologic examinations of the patients aged between 1 and 5 years who underwent surgery due to EA and examined at eye clinics were evaluated, together with the number of days under ventilation support, and other clinical features.

Results: A total of 16 patients with EA (six girls and ten boys, aged between 1 and 5 years), who were examined at the ophthalmology polyclinics with accessible postoperative medical records were included in the study. Strabismus was detected in 2 children, and Duane type retraction syndrome in one of them. One of the patients with eye problem had undergone intraocular injection for retinopathy due to prematurity (ROP), and improved. Thirteen cases had one or more eye problems, the most frequent defect being hypermetropia and astigmatic refraction. Myopic astigmatism was present in 6 cases.

Conclusion: Eye problems can be seen in patients with EA, related to preterm birth, risk of perinatal asphyxia , previous surgeries and postoperative intensive care conditions. Routine eye examinations ensure that possible eye problems are not overlooked while all attention following successful EA surgery is focused on the continuity of the esophagus.