Factors associated with surgical success in adult patients with exotropia

Abstract

Purpose : The purpose of this study is to report the results of surgical treatment for intermittent or constant comitant exotropia in adults and to examine the factors associated with the surgical outcome. Methods : The medical records of consecutive patients older than 18 years of age at the time of surgery for intermittent or constant comitant exotropia and with at least 1 years follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. Surgical success was defined as postoperative esodeviation of <5 prism diopters (∆), orthotropia, or exodeviation of <10∆. Overcorrection (defined as esodeviation >5∆) and recurrence (exodeviation of >10∆) were considered surgical failure. Preoperative patient characteristics, surgical procedures performed, and early postoperative ocular alignment were evaluated as potential factors associated with the surgical outcome. Results : A total of 39 patients were included, of whom 28 (72%) achieved surgical success, 7 (18%) showed overcorrection, and 4 (10%) had recurrence. Alignment at postoperative week 1 was the only significant factor correlated with surgical results. Surgical outcome was best with early postoperative alignment of <10∆ of esotropia. Conclusions : In this study, 72% of patients with intermittent or constant comitant exotropia had a successful outcome, with an average 1.9 years of follow-up. Early postoperative overcorrection of <10∆ resulted in more favorable surgical outcomes in adults undergoing surgery to treat exotropia.