Long-Term Results of Unilateral Lateral Rectus Recession in Intermittent Exotropia

ABSTRACT Purpose: Unilateral lateral rectus recession is an alternative procedure in the treatment of moderate angle intermittent exotropia. However, longterm results of unilateral lateral rectus recession have not yet been studied. The aim of this study was to determine the long-term stability of alignment following unilateral lateral rectus recession in patients with intermittent exotropia with a deviation of 25 to 30 PD. Patients and Methods: Thirty-two patients with intermittent exotropia with a deviation of 25 to 30 PD were included in this study. All patients underwent 8-mm unilateral lateral rectus recession by conventional techniques. Results: Satisfactory results (± 5 PD of orthophoria) were obtained in 77.7% of the patients after a 3-year follow-up period. The mean correction achieved was 22.9 PD. Conclusion: Our results indicate that 8-mm unilateral lateral rectus recession is an attractive alternative procedure in the treatment of intermittent exotropia with a deviation of 25 to 30 PD. J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2003;40:283-287.