[Results of strabismus surgery in adolescents and adults: cosmetic or functional recovery?].

PURPOSE

To answer the question, whether it is possible to achieve a functional improvement after strabismus surgery in adults.

METHODS

The study comprised 71 patients, aged 13-53, in whom after strabismus surgery, deviation was reduced to +/- 4 degrees. The degree of binocular vision was examined with weak and strong dissociating tests.

RESULTS

Complete binocular vision was achieved in 25% of cases, partial with peripheral fusion in 51%. The degree of binocular vision depended on the following factors: type of squint and time of its development, degree of amblyopia, refraction and presence of binocular vision before the surgery. In some cases binocular vision occurred immediately after surgery, in others in a long follow-up. Stabilization of surgical effect was observed in the cases with peripheral fusion.

CONCLUSION

Strabismus surgery in adults could be a chance for functional recovery and not only for aesthetic improvement.