The authors present a retrospective case review with the aim of examining the relationship between refractive change and intermittent exotropia (IXT). The medical records of patients were reviewed for those aged 18 years old and younger diagnosed with IXT with at least one year follow-up over a 14-year period. Patients were excluded if the cause of the exodeviation was anatomical, neurological or paralytic, anisometropia was greater than one dioptre sphere, had received treatment for IXT in previous six months or previous amblyopia treatment. A group of controls were also identified from patients who were being followed up for refractive error only. The following information was extracted from the medical notes: demographics, birth history, ophthalmological examination. Patients identified with IXT were divided into three groups: (1) treated with over-minus lens therapy, (2) treated with surgery, (3) received observation only. A total of 228 patients with IXT were identified along with 110 controls. Those with IXT and the controls were similar in terms of age and sex. No statistically significant difference was found between the IXT and controls groups or any of the three IXT subgroups. A statistically significant difference was identified between all IXT subgroups and the control group for annual myopic progression. The authors acknowledge the limitations of the study being retrospective including not being able to access relevant data such as axial length and other factors associated with myopic progression. Although myopia was more common in the IXT group, it did not vary across different treatment options.
Intermittent exotropia and refractive change in children
Reviewed by Lauren Hepworth
Refractive change in pediatric patients with intermittent exotropia.
CONTRIBUTOR
Lauren R Hepworth
University of Liverpool; Honorary Stroke Specialist Clinical Orthoptist, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust; St Helen’s and Knowsley NHS Foundation Trust, UK.
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