Onset of Ocular Abnormalities in Children with Hearing Loss.
Publication/Presentation Date
2-9-2026
Abstract
PURPOSE: Children with hearing loss are commonly referred for eye examinations, but the optimal timing of asymptomatic ophthalmological screening exams is unclear. We sought to determine the prevalence and onset of abnormal ocular findings in children with hearing loss.
DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study.
SUBJECTS: Children with hearing loss seen for any indication by the pediatric ophthalmology practice at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia over a 15-year period.
METHODS: Ophthalmology and other medical records, including slit-lamp and fundus exam findings and genetic testing results, were reviewed.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence and onset of ocular abnormalities, sensitivity and yield of continuing screening eye exams by age.
RESULTS: Of 11,437 children with hearing loss, 3,399 had sensorineural, 2,729 conductive, 1,601 mixed, and 3,708 unspecified types. Ocular abnormalities were identified in 2,199 children (19.2%), including 1,339 (12.7%) with possible syndromic association (e.g., retinal degeneration or signs of a genetic syndrome). Among the latter, the cumulative sensitivity of continued screening was 48-72% by age 5, 71-87% by age 10, and 90-96% by age 15. The estimated yield of continued screening beyond age 5 was 3.7%; beyond age 10, 1.9%; and beyond age 15, 0.6%.
CONCLUSION: Ocular abnormalities in children with hearing loss may present throughout childhood and adolescence. We recommend asymptomatic children have an ophthalmologist exam upon diagnosis of hearing loss, 2 years later, and again at ages 5, 10, and 15; or sooner if visual symptoms develop or pediatrician vision screening identifies a concern. When genetic testing is possible, an identified genetic cause may help tailor the timing of ophthalmologist exams.
ISSN
1549-4713
Published In/Presented At
Chen, A., O'Neil, E., Datz, E., Yu, Y., Ying, G. S., Choi, K., & Binenbaum, G. (2026). Onset of Ocular Abnormalities in Children with Hearing Loss. Ophthalmology, S0161-6420(26)00074-6. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ophtha.2026.02.004
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences | Pediatrics
PubMedID
41672377
Department(s)
Department of Pediatrics
Document Type
Article