Detección del estrabismo en pacientes de edad preescolar para prevención de sus complicaciones.

Abstract

Strabismus is an ocular disorder that can affect the visual and social development of children. Early detection is crucial, but it still faces obstacles in many regions. Improving diagnostic methods will enable timely intervention, reducing the risk of permanent sequelae and promoting healthy development. Objective: To analyze the early detection of strabismus in preschoolers, evaluating screening methods, their effectiveness in preventing complications, and the impact of visual screening programs. Method: A systematic review of studies published between 2013 and 2023 in English and Spanish, with patients under 6 years of age, was conducted. Information sources included PubMed and LILACS, using MeSH terms and Boolean operators. Article selection followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, and quality was assessed using the JBI checklist. Results: Manual tests for detecting strabismus include the Hirschberg reflex, the cover test, and the occlusion test with a prism. While effective, they show variability in their application. Studies indicate that the cover test has low predictive capacity, whereas combinations with visual acuity and photoscreening improve accuracy and reduce false positives. Conclusions: Combining manual and automated tests enhances strabismus detection, reducing costs and false positives. It is essential to train staff in their correct application and implement mixed screening models. Health policies should ensure access to advanced technologies to prevent visual complications and improve children's quality of life.