Long-term Results of Slanted Recession of Bilateral Lateral Rectus Muscle for Intermittent Exotropia with Convergence Insufficiency

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term efficacy of slanted lateral rectus recession in children for reducing distance and near exodeviation and near-distance deviation difference in intermittent exotropia with convergence insufficiency. METHODS: The medical records of 53 patients with convergence insufficiency intermittent exotropia who underwent slanted bilateral lateral rectus recession performed by a single surgeon and received follow-up for more than 12 months were retrospectively analyzed. Deviation angles at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively and on the last visit were reviewed. Surgical success was defined as postoperative residual distance and near deviation angles ≤8 prism diopters and a difference between the near and distance angles ≤8 prism diopters. RESULTS: The mean duration of follow-up was 24 months (range, 12 to 61 months). On the last visit, the residual deviation angles were ≤8 prism diopters in 75.5% for distance, 62.3% for near, and 81.1% for the near-distance difference. Surgical success was achieved in 31 (58.5%) patients, and none of them manifested limitations in eye movements or diplopia at the last follow-up visit. CONCLUSIONS: Slanted lateral rectus recession is an effective surgical method for reducing distance and near exodeviation and near-distance deviation difference in intermittent exotropia with convergence insufficiency.