AIM:To evaluate the effects of intermittent exotropia(IXT)on the quality of life of children and their parents using the Chinese version of intermittent exotropia questionnaires(CIXTQ).

METHODS: The scores of CIXTQ were collected from IXT children and the same number of age-matched control children in department of ophthalmology, Nanjing Children's Hospital from June 2020 to June 2021. They were the Chinese version of intermittent exotropia questionnaires scores(CIXTQ, for children to assess their health related quality of life), the parental proxy CIXTQ(pp-CIXTQ, for parents to assess children's life quality)scores and the parent CIXTQ(p-CIXTQ, for parents to assess their life quality)scores. To explore: 1)The differences in the CIXTQ, pp-CIXTQ and p-CIXTQ scores between IXT children and the normal children; 2)The relationship between the CIXTQ and pp-CIXTQ scores in IXT children; 3)The factors affecting the quality of life in children with IXT.

RESULTS: A total of 156 patients with IXT and 156 age-matched normal children were included. CIXTQ scores in the children with IXT group was lower than that in the control group(t=-12.915, P<0.001). In IXT group, there was no difference observed in CIXTQ or pp-CIXTQ scores(t=-0.718, P=0.473). As suggested by item-level analysis, children in the IXT group were more concerned about how others think of them and their vision, whereas parents were more concerned about whether the child needs surgery, and whether the permanent damage of strabism caused to the eyes of their children and whether strabismus affects their social life.

CONCLUSION: The CIXTQ performed better in distinguishing the children with IXT and those with normal condition, and it can accurately predict the impact of IXT on children, and benefit to make personalized treatment regimens.