[Psychological repercussions of strabismus in children].

Psychomotor and behavioural disorders in 55 strabismic children are analyzed. Examinations were conducted either before or after surgery, or both before and after the operation (9 cases). Lateralization, quality of motricity, and school adaptation differed only slightly from those of pupils of the same age, in contrast to findings in previous studies. Behaviour, marked by inhibition, anxiety, and emotional disorders, improved after surgery, as shown by modifications in drawings which reflect disturbances due to strabismus and the wearing of spectacles. No correlation was found between affective disorders and ophthalmological features, the essential cause of these disorders being the manner in which others look at the child. The fact that strabismus reduces esthetic appearances is not the only reason, the symbolic nature of the eye and gaze being associated factors. Social adaptation improves after surgery, but drawings are still not completely normal. Preventive measures are proposed.