Pediatrics reports on a recent research study on a connection between having strabismus as children and mental illness.  Of the 266 children with a history of esotropia and 141 with exotropia, 41.3% were diagnosed with a mental illness (monitored until 17 years of age) compared to 30.7% of the control subjects.  Children with exotropia were at greater risk.  When monitored to 20 years old, children with esotropia were not at a greater risk for mental illness than the control group.  Children with intermittent exotropia were at the greatest risk of developing mental illness.

Reference:  Mohney, Brian G., McKenzie, Jeff A., Capo, Jason A., Nusz, Kevin J., Mrazek, David, Diehl, Nancy N.

Mental Illness in Young Adults Who Had Strabismus as Children

Pediatrics 2008 122: 1033-1038