Progressive overcorrection after inferior rectus recession.

We reviewed 67 cases of inferior rectus muscle recession. In 14 cases, the hypotropia was corrected to a satisfactory alignment in the immediate postoperative period followed by a progressive overcorrection (hypertropia). Patients with thyroid eye disease were at highest risk for progressive overcorrection, as 9 of 18 (50%) developed the problem. Patients undergoing adjustable suture were at a higher risk for development of the overcorrection, as 1 of 35 (3%) surgeries done with standard techniques had the overcorrection while 13 of 32 (41%) done on an adjustable suture had the problem. However, the actual act of adjustment was found not to be a predisposing factor. Also, operating upon multiple muscles was found not to be a risk factor for the complication. Once progressive overcorrection occurred, it was more difficult to correct when the patient had thyroid eye disease. We also reviewed 77 consecutive cases of superior, lateral, and medial rectus muscle recessions and found no cases of progressive overcorrection.