Diplopia after Strabismus Surgery

An unexpected turn: a case of torsional anomalous retinal correspondence after myectomy of previously anteriorized inferior oblique muscles in a child

We report a case of torsional diplopia caused by presumed torsional anomalous retinal correspondence after myectomy of previously asymmetrically anteriorized inferior oblique muscles for inferior oblique overaction. Given this patient's experience, it may be prudent to operate with caution on previously anteriorized inferior oblique muscles, especially when anteriorization is performed at a very young age.

Strabismus Surgery in Orthophoric Patients With Symptomatic, Asymmetric Vertical or Horizontal Incomitance

PURPOSE

To report the indications, operative strategies, and surgical outcomes of patients who undergo vertical and horizontal rectus muscle surgery for incomitant strabismus despite being orthophoric in primary gaze.

DESIGN

Retrospective, interventional case series.

METHODS

The setting for this study was an academic practice at Boston Children's Hospital. The patient population comprised 8 orthophoric patients who underwent strabismus surgery to treat vertical/horizontal incomitance. Observation procedures included review of surgical strategies, strabismus measurements in diagnostic gaze positions, and development of postoperative diplopia. The main outcome measures were preserved single vision in primary gaze, comitance, reoperation rate, and patient/surgeon satisfaction.

RESULTS

Surgical strategies included the following: (1) simultaneous recession of ipsilateral antagonist rectus muscles; (2) recession or resection of 1 rectus muscle with balancing surgery on the fellow eye; (3) restricting the range of 1 muscle (combined resection and recession or posterior fixation suture); and (4) creating an acceptable deviation in primary gaze. Mean follow-up was 5.4 months (median, 2 months; range, 2-25 months). No patient had new-onset primary gaze diplopia. The median incomitance improved by 9.5 prism diopters. No patient required additional surgery. Patient satisfaction and surgeon assessment of outcomes were high.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the risk of operating on orthophoric patients with incomitant strabismus may discourage surgeons from offering treatment, the use of specific strategies to address incomitance can preserve alignment in primary gaze while improving patient satisfaction. These strategies may also benefit patients with incomitant strabismus that is symptomatic in primary gaze.

Efficacy and safety of adjustable suture in horizontal strabismus: Comparative study of children versus adults

OBJECTIVE

Adjustable suture procedures allow addressing the unpredictability of some postoperative results in strabismus surgery. The purpose of the study was to compare the effectiveness of adjustable and non-adjustable suture in the treatment of horizontal strabismus in children and adults.

METHODS

Prospective study including patients undergoing strabismus surgery to correct horizontal strabismus with fixed hanging suture (non-adjustable suture group) and adjustable suture. Visual acuity, amblyopia, deviation, oblique muscle involvement, previous surgeries, nystagmus, need for adjustment, and complications were recorded. The variables were recorded in the immediate postoperative period, at one week and at 3 and 6 months.

RESULTS

186 patients were included: 157 (84.4%) with adjustable suture and 29 (15.6%) with non-adjustable suture, of which 119 were children and 67 were adults. Postoperatively, 19 children (16.0%) and 19 adults (28.4%) required adjustment (p = 0.044). Of 157 patients with adjustable suture, it was adjusted in 20% (32/157). Success after adjustment was higher for adjustable suture (91.72% vs 79.31%; p = 0.043) and remained for 6 months (p < 0.05). Previous surgery (p = 0.004) and exotropia (p = 0.018) correlated with the need for adjustment.

CONCLUSIONS

20% of patients with horizontal strabismus can benefit from a postoperative adjustment to improve the surgical result. The adjustable suture was shown to be superior to the fixed hanging suture and is an excellent surgical option, both in children and adults.