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.