Changes in the amygdala produced by viewing strabismic eyes.

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to look for the response to strabismus images in the limbic network (amygdala, hippocampus, parahippocampus) of healthy volunteers and to compare it with their reaction to viewing normal eyes. DESIGN Prospective, observational study. PARTICIPANTS Thirty-one healthy volunteers underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). METHODS Functional magnetic resonance imaging data and blood oxygen level-dependent signal changes were analyzed using the BrainVoyager QX software package (Brain Innovation, Maastricht, The Netherlands). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Responses to viewing strabismus images were compared with those observed while viewing normal eye images. RESULTS Strabismus images led to significant activation of the amygdala, hippocampus, parahippocampal, and fusiform gyri in 30 of 31 subjects compared with normal eye images, indicating a negative emotional response. CONCLUSIONS These fMRI results confirm that strabismus influences organically not only the patient with nonparallel eyes but also observers. Treatment of strabismus therefore changes the interpersonal dynamic for patients with strabismus on a demonstrable organic basis. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S) The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.