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Br J Ophthalmol 2008;92:765-769 doi:10.1136/bjo.2007.128884
  • Original Article
    • Clinical science

Opinions of dating agents about strabismic subjects’ ability to find a partner

  1. S M Mojon-Azzi1,
  2. W Potnik2,
  3. D S Mojon3
  1. 1
    Research Institute for Labour Economics and Labour Law, University of St Gallen, St Gallen, Switzerland
  2. 2
    Department of Ophthalmology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
  3. 3
    Department of Strabismology and Neuro-Ophthalmology, Kantonsspital St Gallen & University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
  1. Dr D S Mojon, Department of Strabismology and Neuro-Ophthalmology, Kantonsspital, 9007 St Gallen, Switzerland; daniel.mojon{at}kssg.ch
  • Accepted 17 November 2007

Abstract

Aims: To determine the influence of strabismus on the ability to find a partner.

Methods: We interviewed Swiss dating agents retrieved from two Swiss online telephone directories using a validated questionnaire to determine whether strabismus has any impact on the ability to find a partner. During the interviews, subjects with internet access could view downloadable, digitally altered photographs of a strabismic man and women, as well as images of other computer-generated facial anomalies.

Results: Of the 40 dating agents, 92.5% judged that strabismic subjects have more difficulty finding a partner (p<0.001). Such difficulty was not associated with either gender or age but was perceived as being greater in exotropic than in esotropic persons (p<0.001). Among the seven facial disfigurements, strabismus was believed to have the third largest negative impact on finding a partner, after strong acne and a visible missing tooth. Dating agents also believed that potential partners perceive persons with strabismus as significantly less attractive (p<0.001), erotic (p<0.001), likeable (p<0.001), interesting (p<0.001), successful (p<0.001), intelligent (p = 0.001) and sporty (p = 0.01).

Conclusions: Visible strabismus negatively influences the ability to find a partner. Because strabismus surgery in adults restores a normal functioning condition and reduces not only physical but also psychosocial difficulties, it cannot be considered a cosmetic procedure.

Footnotes

  • Competing interests: None.

  • Patient consent: Patient consent was obtained.

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