The Long-Term Effect of Unilateral Lateral Rectus Muscle Recession for Moderate Angle Exotropia

ABSTRACT

In order to evaluate the long-term effect of single lateral rectus muscle recession for the moderate angle exotropia(20-3-PD), we retrospectively studied 30 cases which were recessed by 8-9mm. The average follow-up period was 35.8 month. At 6 month postoperatively, the success rate was 75% in 8mm recession group and 84% in 8.5mm group, 88% in 9mm group. At the last follow-up, the success rate was 62%, 38%, 22% respectively. The recession of single lareral rectus muscle for the moderate angle exotropia was successful during the early postoperative period. But, its success rate was gradually decreased in the long-term follow-up especially for exotropia over 25PD. So, we should consider to recess lateral rectus muscle more than 8-9mm or choose the classic surgical method such as both lateral rectus recession or recession-resection for exotropia over 25PD.