Objective: To determine the variety and frequency of ocular problems in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Materials and Methods: A total of 46 children with CP and 50 healthy children were included in the study. The age range of the children was between 5 months and 15 years. Complete ophthalmologic, orthoptic, psychiatric and neurologic examination of all children were performed and ocular findings were classified.

Results: Refractive errors were the most frequently and ocular motility disorders were the second frequently detected ocular problems, and there was a statistically significant difference between CP and control group (p<0.05). Also in CP group optic atrophy was detected in a significantly high rate (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between the children in both groups for whom visual acuity evaluation were available (p>0.05). When visual acuity of both groups were compared, in CP group statistically significant low visual acuity values were obtained (p<0.05). There were no significant differences between the groups in respect to visual evoked potential (VEP) and fixation weakness (p>0.05). In comparison of premature and low birth weight history and associated disorders of CP, the differences between the groups were statistically significant (p<0.05).

Conclussion: As there were ocular findings in children with CP in high rates, ophthalmologic examination should be performed routinly in this children, to establish early diagnosis and treatment so as to increase the quality of life. ©2007, Firat University, Medical Faculty