Strabismus is commonly seen in patients with spina bifida.

• A. False
• B. True
• C. Not sure
• D. Not enough information

Answer: (B)

Strabismus arises when the neural control of eye movements and binocular alignment are disrupted. In spina bifida, especially the myelomeningocele form, there is frequent CNS involvement with hydrocephalus and Chiari II malformation. These conditions can affect brainstem nuclei and the cranial nerves that move the eyes, as well as the cortical pathways that fuse images into a single binocular view. The result is a higher likelihood of ocular misalignment in this population. Because of this association, strabismus is commonly seen in children with spina bifida, making early vision screening and multidisciplinary care important. Management involves ophthalmologic evaluation, checking refractive error and binocular function, and interventions such as glasses, patching for amblyopia, vision therapy, or surgical realignment if needed. While not every patient has strabismus, the link is well documented and reflects the greater CNS involvement in this condition.