Factors associated with surgical success in adult patients with exotropia

Abstract

Purpose: 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 year's follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. Surgical success was defined as postoperative esodeviation of <5^Δ, orthotropia, or exodeviation of <10^Δ. Overcorrection (defined as esodeviation >5^Δ) and recurrence (exodeviation of >10^Δ) 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^Δ of esotropia.

Conclusions: Early postoperative overcorrection of <10^Δ resulted in more favorable surgical outcomes in adults undergoing surgery to treat exotropia.