Evaluation of ophthalmologic abnormalities in pediatric patients with idiopathic scoliosis: A prospective, cross-sectional, case-control study
In brief
Kids with idiopathic scoliosis have poorer depth perception and need more glasses
In a prospective case-control study of 48 adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis versus 41 peers, those with scoliosis showed significantly lower stereoacuity and a higher rate of refractive errors requiring spectacles. Adjusted analyses did not confirm an independent link, but the findings support adding routine ophthalmologic screening to scoliosis assessments.
- Journal
- Joint diseases and related surgery (Q2)
- Published
- 21 May 2026
- Study design
- Case-control study
- Evidence level
- Level 3, Low (CEBM 3b)
- Authors
- Abdullah Alper Sahin, Asena Keles Sahin
- PMID
- 42542919
- DOI
- 10.52312/jdrs.2026.2854
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Ophthalmology (paper of the day, 3 August 2026): Cross‑sectional case‑control, not practice‑changing
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and distribution of ophthalmologic abnormalities, particularly binocular vision disorders and refractive errors, in children diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis (IS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between September 2025 and December 2025, a total of 48 pediatric patients diagnosed with IS (scoliosis group) and 41 age- and sex-matched healthy children (control group) were included in this prospective, cross-sectional, case-control study. The Cobb angle (≥ 10°) was considered in the scoliosis assessment. Based on Cobb angle measurements, scoliosis patients were classified into two subgroups: mild scoliosis (10°-20°, n = 26) and moderate scoliosis (21°-40°, n = 22). All participants underwent a comprehensive ophthalmologic examination, including cycloplegic refraction, visual acuity levels, and near stereoscopic vision measurement. RESULTS: Of a total of 48 patients with IS included in the study, 14 were male and 34 were female with a median age of 14 (range, 6 to 18) years. The control group consisted of 41 participants. Of them, 16 were male and 25 were female with a median age of 11 (range, 5 to 16) years. Cervicothoracic scoliosis was identified in 30 patients (62.5%) in the scoliosis group. The number of patients with refractive error requiring glasses was significantly higher in the scoliosis group (p = 0.030). Stereoacuity levels were significantly lower in the scoliosis group (p < 0.001), and this difference was observed in both mild and moderate scoliosis subgroups. However, multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusting for age and sex revealed no independent association between scoliosis and decreased stereopsis or refractive error. CONCLUSION: Children with idiopathic scoliosis exhibit reduced stereopsis and a higher frequency of refractive errors requiring spectacles. These findings suggest a potential association between scoliosis and visual function. Therefore, ophthalmologic evaluation may be considered as part of the clinical assessment of children with scoliosis.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.