The Effect of Unilateral and Bilateral Superior Rectus Recession for Dissociated Vertical Deviation(DVD)

ABSTRACT

Dissociated vertical deviation(DVD)is a kind of vertical strabismus of an upward drift of a nonfixating eye, and requires operation when it is cosmetically unacceptable. The authors compared the results of unilateral superior rectus recession with those of bilateral recession in the treatment of DVD, and analyzed the effects and complications of the superior rectus recession. The charts of 58 patients(94 eyes)who underwent superior rectus recession for DVD were retrospectively reviewed, and minimum follow-up was 6 months after operation. In 22 patients, the recession was performed unilaterally, and in 36 patients bilaterally. Satisfactory alignment under 9 PD was obtained in 77.3%of the unilateral cases and 77.8%of the bilateral cases. DVDs developed in unoperated eye in 9 unilateral cases. Graduated superior rectus recession was a quite predictable and effective procedure in the treatment of DVD. In unilateral surgery, it is important to keep in mind that the unmasking of DVD in the fellow eye can occur, but unilateral surgery may be indicated if only when the obvious deviation is diagnosed preoperatively in one eye.