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. PATIENTS AND 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. CONCLUSION: 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.
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. PATIENTS AND 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. CONCLUSION: 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.