Excessive single lateral rectus muscle recession in the treatment of intermittent exotropia.

Ten patients with small angle intermittent exotropia of 14 to 16 prism diopters were treated by unilateral lateral rectus muscle recession of 11.5 to 12 mm on the nondominant eye. In the immediate postoperative phase, overcorrection of 4 to 6 delta gave a very good functional result. Abduction deficiency was minimal for recession up to 12 mm. This procedure should be considered as an alternative approach in the treatment of small angle intermittent exotropia showing a "basic" pattern.