Relationship between Early Postoperative Stereoacuity and Surgical Outcome in Intermittent Exotropia

Abstract

Purpose: To identify the correlation between early postoperative stereoacuity and surgical outcome in intermittent exotropia. Methods: The medical records of 74 patients who underwent unilateral lateral rectus recession or bilateral lateral rectus recession for intermittent exotropia with a minimum postoperative follow-up of 3 years were retrospectively reviewed. Postoperative stereoacuity was measured using the vectogram test and Titmus test at 1 month post-operative. The deviation angle was measured at near and at distance using a prism cover test. Patients were divided into two groups according to post-operative angle deviation, and stereoacuity was analyzed in both groups. Results: Sixty patients showed no suppression at distance at 1 month post-operative follow-up. Of these, 55 patients (85.9%) belonged to the success group and 5 patients (50.0%) belonged to the recurrence group. The post-operative suppression test and the surgical outcome exhibited a significant association (p = 0.017). 53 patients showed normal stereoacuity 1 month after surgery. Of these, 49 patients (76.6%) belonged to the success group and 4 patients (40.0%) belonged to the recurrence group (p = 0.017). Post-operative stereoacuity and surgical outcome exhibited a significant association (p = 0.026). Conclusions: Post-operative suppression test results at distance and stereoacuity at near may be helpful in predicting surgical outcomes of patients with intermittent exotropia.