OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the oblique angle, diplopia and stereoacuity before and after rectus recession-suspension on posterior sclera surgery in patients with restrictive strabismus caused by thyroid associated ophthalmopathy (TAO).

METHODS

Data from 18 patients (19 eyes) with restrictive strabismus caused by TAO, who underwent rectus recession-suspension on posterior sclera surgery from July 2010 to June 2013 in Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, were analyzed retrospectively. Eight patients (8 eyes) or 5 patients (5 eyes) with hypotropia were operated with inferior rectus recession or superior rectus recession. Two patients (2 eyes) with esohypertropia or 3 patients (4 eyes) with esotropia were operated with inferior rectus recession plus medial rectus recession or medial rectus recession. Two patients (1 hypotropia, 1 esotropia) underwent orbital decompression surgery before strabismus surgery. All patients were performed rectus recession-suspension on posterior sclera surgery, and the oblique angle, diplopia view and stereopsis test were examined before and after the operation.

RESULTS

All patients were followed up for more than 6 months. The preoperative prism were 20(Δ)- 80(Δ) and postoperative prism were 2(Δ)-10(Δ). There was diplopia on the primary position before surgery in 16 patients. After surgery, the diplopia in 14 patients disappeared on the primary and 15° down gaze, and 2 patients had not diplopia on the primary position but residual diplopia on inferior field. Two patients had stereopsis before surgery, and the numbers of patients raised to 14 after surgery. Compared with pre-operation, changes of the above measured indexs in post-operation were significant difference (all P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The rectus recession-suspension on posterior sclera surgery is effective to improve oblique angle and diplopia in restrictive strabismus caused by TAO, which can improve patient's living quality.