Dose-effect relation in revision surgery for consecutive strabismus divergens in adults

Background: The aim of this study was to establish a dose-effect relationship between the reduction of the angle of deviation and the millimeters of the reoperation performed in patients with consecutive exotropia.

Methods: A total of 46 patients who had undergone reoperation for consecutive exotropia (group 1: advancement of the former recessed medial rectus muscle and group 2: additional rececession of the lateral rectus muscle) were reexamined.

Results: The dose-effect relationship was 2 degrees /mm in group 1 and1.6 degrees /mm far distance and 1.8 degrees /mm near in group 2. Within the first 4 months after the reoperation we found an exodrift of up to 6 degrees , which remained stable; 98% of our patients reported that their quality of life had improved.

Conclusions: In cases of consecutive exotropia we consider the postoperative exdodrift in the planing of our reoperation. During the ensuing years patients can expect stability of the results achieved by the reoperation.