Introduction
Misaligned visual axes are the hallmark of the relatively common eye
condition known as strabismus, which most frequently shows up during the
crucial stage of visual development[1]. Strabismus
is more common in the population than in the individual, with an
incidence of 0.01% to 7%[2-7]. Strabismus can
result in amblyopia, decreased binocular vision and cosmetic concerns,
etc.[8] Meanwhile, it can cause psycho-social
issues like low self-esteem, strained interpersonal connections, and
decreased employment[9–13] .
Most previous studies focused on evaluating the psychopathological
severity of patients’ emotional responses [14].
The Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) and Hospital Anxiety and
Depression Scale (HADS) were developed to assess the emotional condition
of non-psychiatric patients receiving hospital care for physical
disease[16] . The effect of intermittent exotropia
(IXT) on children’ mental health can be evaluated in further detail
using the patient proxy scales[16]. Previous
studies have indicated that childhood-onset strabismus has a persistent
impact in the long term so the health-related quality of life (HRQOL)
gets worse in both children and parents.[17-19]Recent research also emphasized that emotional disturbance in the
parents also had a psychosocial impact on their children with
strabismus. Successful strabismic surgery has a significant impact on
the child’s and the family’s psychosocial functioning and quality of
life[20].When it is discovered that parents may be
exhibiting anxiety and/or depressive symptoms, they should be chosen for
a diagnosis and confirmation, which is also of positive significance for
further treatment of children.
Numerous dermatology, psychiatry, rheumatology, osteology, nephropathy,
and cancer departments use the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety/Depression Scale
(SAS/SDS) and the HADS[14,21-25].
Few studies probed and compared the use of HADS and SAS/SDS in assessing
emotional problems in parents of strabismus children. In order to
provide a reference for future clinical investigations of patients’
parents’ psychological issues, the aim of this study was to assess
anxiety and depression in parents of Chinese children with strabismus by
using two scales, HADS and SAS/SDS, as well as to compare the
correlation between these two scales and patients’ clinical signs.