Comparison of Visual Functions and Ocular Health in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder versus Typically Developing Peers

Abstract

PURPOSE: To compare the visual functions and ocular health between children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Typically Developing Peers.

METHOD: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in different autistic centers to evaluate the visual functions and ocular health of 80 individuals in which 40 were diagnosed with ASD and 40 were typically developing. Different tests were carried out to assess visual functions in which visual acuity was tested by Snellen chart, contrast sensitivity on Pelli-Robson, color vision by primary colors detection and visual field by handheld peripheral field perimeter. Ocular health was checked by ocular examination of individuals.

RESULTS: Out of 40 children with ASD, 15(37.5%) had VA≤ 0.5. 19(23.75%) had reduced contrast sensitivity. 3(3.75%) had some color vision defect. Out of 40 TD peers, 17(42.5%) had VA≤ 0.5. 17(21.25%) had reduced contrast sensitivity. All TD peers had normal color vision. Both groups had 2(2.50%) individuals with reduced field. While checking ocular health of ASD group, only 20 had some ocular health problems in which 7(8.75%) had strabismus, 3(3.75%) had eye movement disorders, 2(2.50%) had hypertelorism and ptosis respectively and 1(1.25%) had nystagmus. Similarly, in TD group, 16 had ocular problems in which 6(7.50%) had strabismus, 2(2.50%) had hypertelorism, 1(1.25%) had ptosis and eye movement disorders respectively. The statistical test was performed by using Mann Whitney test and Chi-square test (p value ≤ 0.05).

CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in visual functions and ocular health of children who had ASD and TD Peers.