CLINICAL PROFILE OF COMITANT HORIZONTAL STRABISMUS IN 0-20 YEARS OF AGE: A STUDY FROM RURAL MAHARASHTRA

Introduction: Strabismus, a misalignment of the eyes, is a significant ocular disorder affecting children and young adults. Comitant horizontal strabismus is characterized by a consistent angle of deviation regardless of direction of gaze. It can impact visual development and psychosocial well-being. Understanding its clinical profile is essential for improving diagnosis, treatment, and management strategies, especially in rural healthcare settings. Objectives: This study aims to analyse the clinical characteristics, distribution patterns, and associated factors of comitant horizontal strabismus in individuals aged 0-20 years in a rural tertiary care hospital in Maharashtra. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted over two years in the ophthalmology department of a tertiary care hospital. A total of 40 patients aged 0-20 years diagnosed with comitant horizontal strabismus were enrolled. Clinical assessments included visual acuity testing, cycloplegic refraction, ocular movement evaluation, cover tests, prism and alternate cover tests and amblyopia assessment. Data was entered into excel and analysed as percentages and proportions.