Clinical Study on Factors Associated with Recurrence and Reoperation in Intermittent Exotropia

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to analyze factors associated with recurrence and reoperation in intermittent exotropia. METHODS: The medical records of 285 patients who had undergone the bilateral lateral recti recessions for intermittent exotropia with at least 1 year of postoperative follow-up were reviewed retrospectively. Surgical success was defined as a final deviation less than 10PD, overcorrection more than 10PD and recurrence less than 10PD at postoperative 3 months but recurring later, so being exodeviated more than 10PD in primary gaze at postoperative 1 year. Reoperation was performed when the eye was excessively exodeviated with follow-up, requiring surgical revision clinically. We investigated factors associated with recurrence, comparing recurrence group to success group, and also investigated factors associated with reoperation, comparing reoperation group to recurrence group. RESULTS: Alignment at postoperative 1 day was proved to be significant factor influencing on recurrence. The age at the time of operation, preoperative alignment, stereopsis, etc were not associated with recurrence. Also, stereopsis was associated with reoperation, but there were no relationship between reoperation and other factors. CONCLUSIONS: Alignment at postoperative 1 day was related to recurrence and poor stereopsis (> or =400 sec) was associated with reoperation. Therefore, sensory function, such as stereopsis should be considered more important than motor control when considering reoperation.