Non-emergent ophthalmic cases were the most common reason for the ophthalmology emergency room visits. It was observed that most cases could be referred to outpatient departments and potentially be managed by primary healthcare providers. This would be more cost effective and will also allow for better management of vision threatening ocular emergencies.

PurposeTo assess the clinical characteristics of Duane Retraction Syndrome (DRS) in Al-Medina region, in patients attending a pediatric ophthalmology clinic at Ohud Hospital.MethodA cross-sectional observational study was conducted from October 2017 to June 2018 at Ohud Hospital, Al-Medina region, Saudi Arabia. Data was collected using a sheet containing eighteen simple items which include demographic data, family history, surgical history, the clinical characteristics of the disease and the physician's treatment plan. Twenty patients were included in this study.ResultsAll twenty patients included in the study were diagnosed with DRS type I. Male and female were symmetrical in numbers as both 10 (50.0%) respectively. The mean age of the subjects was 8.7 years (SD 9.6). 95% of the subject were unilaterally affected while five percent of them were affected both sides of the eyes. 75% of the patients were affected on the left eye while 20% were affected on the right side. 35% of the patients had amblyopia in the affected eye. 25% of the patients had an abnormal head position. Abnormal eye movement (upshoot and downshoot) more common when the right eye is affected (p-0.035). 75% of the patients were orthotropic while 30% had esotropia. 75% of patients were positive of parents' consanguinity. 16 patients (80.0%) were from Al-Medina city while four of them (20.0%) were from the different area of Al-Medina region (Al Hejeria, Al Henakia, Omluj, Yatmah).ConclusionThis cross-sectional observational study is the first one that evaluates DRS in Al-Medina region. Associated abnormal eye movement more common when the right eye is affected. Parents' consanguinity may play a role in the occurrence of DRS as it is not considered as a rare disease in our region. Therefore, more studies are needed to establish the relationship between the occurrence of DRS and parents' consanguinity in our region. Also, further studies are needed to establish the relationship between abnormal eye movement and the involvement of the right eye.