Short-term effects of occlusion therapy and optical correction on microvasculature in monocular amblyopia: a retrospective case-control study.

This retrospective longitudinal case-control study investigated the short-term effects of patch occlusion treatment compared with optical correction on the microvasculature in monocular amblyopia. We included patients with monocular amblyopia treated for 2-12 months; they were classified into two groups according to the treatment regimen: patch occlusion or optical correction. Children aged < 12 years who presented to our clinic for examination without amblyopia diagnosis were enrolled as the control group. Changes in retinal and choroid microvasculature according to treatment were examined, and the correlation between changes in microvasculature and improvement in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was evaluated. There were 57, 35, and 41 patients in the patch occlusion, optical correction, and control groups, respectively (mean age, 6.4 ± 2.0 years). Both amblyopic groups showed changes in the foveal and parafoveal deep capillary plexus vessel density (DCPD), choroidal thickness, and choroidal vascularity index (CVI) following short-term treatment (mean, 4.5 months). In the patch occlusion group, BCVA improved as the foveal DCPD increased (P = 0.013) and the CVI decreased (P = 0.037). In the optical correction group, BCVA improved as the foveal and parafoveal DCPD increased (P = 0.009). Increased foveal DCPD following amblyopia treatment and decreased CVI by patch occlusion were associated with improved BCVA.

Comparison of Retinal and Choroidal Microvasculature Changes in Monocular Amblyopic and Non-amblyopic Eyes following Short-term Patch Occlusion Treatment.

PURPOSE: Our objective was to investigate whether there were differences in the short-term changes of retinal and choroidal microvasculature between amblyopic and non-amblyopic eyes after patch occlusion treatment in patients with monocular amblyopia. Additionally, we aimed to determine if these changes were associated with improvements in clinical parameters. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, longitudinal paired-eye case-control study by analyzing the medical records of patients under the age of 12 who had monocular amblyopia and underwent patch occlusion treatment for a duration of 2 to 12 months. Using optical coherence tomography angiography images, we compared the foveal avascular zone width, retinal blood vessel density (VD), choroidal thickness (CT), and choroidal vascularity index (CVI) in amblyopic and non-amblyopic eyes before and after patch occlusion treatment. We analyzed the correlations between the aforementioned parameters and changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and stereopsis. RESULTS: Overall, 114 eyes from 57 patients were enrolled. At baseline, parafoveal superficial plexus VD, foveal and parafoveal deep capillary plexus VD (DCPD) were lower by 0.994 ± 3.312% (p = .026), 2.403 ± 8.273% (p = .033), and 2.469 ± 4.095% (p < .001), respectively; CT was thicker by 30.6 ± 90.7 µm (p = .014); and CVI was higher by 1.920 ± 3.432% (p < 001) in the amblyopic eyes than in the non-amblyopic eyes. Following short-term patch occlusion treatment, foveal and parafoveal DCPD increased by 1.264 ± 3.829% (p = .017) and 1.028 ± 3.662% (p = .036), respectively, CT thinned by 15.5 ± 51.5 µm (p = .019), and CVI decreased by 1.296 ± 3.997% (p = .018) in the amblyopic eyes. Following patch occlusion treatment, as the foveal DCPD decreased and CVI increased, the BCVA improved (p = .017 and .035, respectively). CONCLUSION: Following patch occlusion treatment, increased foveal DCPD and decreased CVI were associated with improved BCVA.

Neuro-ophthalmologic symptoms after coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: There have been several studies on inflammatory ophthalmic diseases; however, few studies have reported neuro-ophthalmological symptoms, such as diplopia and ocular motor nerve palsy, after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination. Therefore, this study aimed to report neuro-ophthalmological symptoms in patients after COVID-19 vaccination. METHODS: This was a retrospective study based on the medical records of 10 patients who visited our ophthalmology clinic in 2021 with symptoms, such as diplopia (nine patients) and decreased visual acuity (one patient), and showed findings, such as ocular motor nerve palsy, after vaccination against COVID-19. RESULTS: One patient had third nerve palsy, two had sixth nerve palsy, and five had fourth nerve palsy. One patient complained of subjective binocular diplopia but all test results were normal. One patient presented with decreased visual acuity accompanied by a sudden increase in intraocular pressure and orbital cellulitis in the other eye. The symptoms improved gradually in most patients. Compared with previous studies, this study reported three cases of antiplatelet therapy that was initiated due to the older age of the patients and underlying diseases. CONCLUSION: As COVID-19 vaccines can cause neuro-ophthalmological diseases, such as ocular motor nerve palsy, patients' age and underlying diseases should be considered while administering them.

Ocular motility disorders following coronavirus disease-19 vaccination.

PURPOSE: To describe clinical manifestations and short-term prognosis of ocular motility disorders following coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) vaccination. METHODS: Ocular motility disorders were diagnosed by clinical assessment, high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging, and laboratory testing. Clinical manifestations, short-term prognosis, and rate of complete recovery were analyzed. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients (37 males, 26 females) with a mean age of 61.6 ± 13.3 years (range, 22-81 years) were included in this study. Among 61 applicable patients with sufficient information regarding medical histories, 38 (62.3%) had one or more significant underlying past medical histories including vasculopathic risk factors. The interval between initial symptoms and vaccination was 8.6 ± 8.2 (range, 0-28) days. Forty-two (66.7%), 14 (22.2%), and 7 (11.1%) patients developed symptoms after the first, second, and third vaccinations, respectively. One case of internuclear ophthalmoplegia, 52 cases of cranial nerve palsy, two cases of myasthenia gravis, six cases of orbital diseases (such as myositis, thyroid eye disease, and IgG-related orbital myopathy), and two cases of comitant vertical strabismus with acute onset diplopia were found. Among 42 patients with follow-up data (duration: 62.1 ± 40.3 days), complete improvement, partial improvement, no improvement, and exacerbation were shown in 20, 15, 3, and 4 patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study provided various clinical features of ocular motility disorders following COVID-19 vaccination. The majority of cases had a mild clinical course while some cases showed a progressive nature. Close follow-up and further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and long-term prognosis.

Alterations of lower- and higher-order aberrations after unilateral horizontal rectus muscle surgery in children with intermittent exotropia: A retrospective cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: This retrospective, cross-sectional study investigated changes in corneal lower- and higher-order aberrations that cause visual disturbance after lateral rectus recession and medial rectus resection in children. METHODS: Eighty-five eyes of 85 patients (44 boys; 8.64±2.88 years) who underwent lateral rectus recession and medial rectus resection to correct intermittent exotropia were assessed. The Galilei G4 Dual Scheimpflug Analyzer was used for wavefront analysis. Risk factors (age, sex, amount of surgery, preoperative axial length, preoperative intraocular pressure) were determined. Outcome measures included simulated and ray-tracing mode keratometry with secondary defocus, oblique, and vertical astigmatism (for lower-order aberrations) and the root mean square, 3rd-order vertical and horizontal coma, oblique and horizontal trefoil, 4th-order spherical aberration, oblique and vertical secondary astigmatism, and oblique and vertical quadrafoil (2nd‒8th sums) (for higher-order aberrations). RESULTS: Myopic with-the-rule changes in low-order aberrations and increases in simulated and ray-tracing mode keratometry during the 3 months following lateral rectus recession and medial rectus resection were attributed to muscle healing and stability changes. High-order aberrations altered in the week following surgery almost returned to normal within 3 months. Axial length, the amount of surgery, age, and sex affected astigmatism due to differences in patients' scleral states. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should consider changes in high-order aberrations of young individuals who underwent lateral rectus recession and medial rectus resection and may not be able to verbalize changes in vision.

An Overview of the Korean Intermittent Exotropia Multicenter Study by the Korean Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus.

The Korean Intermittent Exotropia Multicenter Study (KIEMS), which was initiated by the Korean Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, is a collaborative multicenter study on intermittent exotropia in Korea. The KIEMS was designed to provide comprehensive information, including subjective and objective findings of intermittent exotropia in a large study population. A total of 65 strabismus specialists in 53 institutions contributed to this study, which, to date, is one of the largest clinical studies on intermittent exotropia. In this article, we provide a detailed methodology of the KIEMS to help future investigations that may use the KIEMS data.

Analysis of astigmatism outcomes after horizontal rectus muscle surgery in patients with intermittent exotropia.

This study examined the factors affecting corneal curvature change after lateral rectus recession and medial rectus resection surgery in patients with intermittent exotropia. This was a retrospective cross-sectional study in intermittent exotropia patients who underwent rectus resection surgery. The study involved 41 male and 42 female patients (mean age: 9.55 ± 5.03 years, range: 3-28 years). Corneal astigmatism analysis was performed using the Galilei G4 Dual Scheimpflug Analyzer. The values of simulated and ray tracing corneal keratometry (K) of astigmatism, including axis changes, were determined preoperatively and at 1 week and 3 months postoperatively. The factors found to affect corneal curvature change were sex, extent of surgery, and axial length. Simulated and ray tracing changes were significant preoperatively and at 1 week and 3 months after rectus resection surgery (p < 0.05); however, there were no differences in astigmatism (D) at any time. The spherical equivalent had a myopic change after rectus resection surgery with cycloplegic refraction, and in ray tracing mode, flat K was decreased at 1 week from baseline and increased 3 months later. Steep, mean K, and axis increased continuously from baseline to 1 week and 3 months. Astigmatism, in contrast, was increased at 1 week, but decreased at 3 months, with no return to baseline. Univariable linear regression analyses showed that the extent of surgery had an effect on flat K change and that sex had an effect on steep K and axis. Additionally, axial length affected steep K and astigmatism, while age had no effect on any variable. Ray tracing values were significantly different from simulated values. In ray tracing mode, rectus resection surgery may result in astigmatism shifted toward with-the-rule, and myopic changes may be caused by differences in thickness and flexibility of the sclera. Notably, age did not affect any variable.

Asymmetric Lateral Rectus Muscle Insertion Presenting as Esotropia in a Child With Alagille Syndrome.

A 2-year-old boy with Alagille syndrome who had esotropia underwent bilateral medial rectus recession. One month postoperatively, esotropia reoccurred and was aggravated thereafter. Right lateral rectus resection was unsuccessful because the insertion site could not be identified. Careful preoperative imaging may be necessary in patients with Alagille syndrome to detect any abnormal extraocular muscle insertion. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol. 2018;55:e36-e38.].

Horizontal Extraocular Muscle and Scleral Anatomy in Children: A Swept-Source Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of anterior segment swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) for examining horizontal extraocular muscle thickness, distance from the corneal limbus to the insertion of the horizontal extraocular muscle (limbus to insertion distance), and scleral thickness in Korean pediatric strabismus patients. METHODS: This study included pediatric strabismus patients between 5 and 10 years of age. Children with any ocular disease other than strabismus or a history of ocular surgery were excluded. SS-OCT was used to measure horizontal extraocular muscle thickness, limbus to insertion distance, and scleral thickness. Eyes were classified into subgroups by sex, spherical equivalent of the refractive error (measured with cycloplegic refraction), and fixating/deviating eye. RESULTS: One patient initially included in this study was excluded due to poor cooperation. Of the remaining 35 eyes of 20 patients, 19 eyes (54.3%) were from male patients and 16 eyes (45.7%) were from female patients. The mean patient age was 7.86 ± 1.38 years. Lateral scleral thickness was greater in male eyes than in female eyes (p = 0.048). No other differences were noted between male and female children. Additionally, there were no statistically significant differences between fixating and deviating eyes or among spherical equivalent groups for any parameter examined. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior segment SS-OCT can successfully and comfortably measure horizontal extraocular muscle and scleral anatomy in children. These measurements may be helpful for treatment and follow-up of pediatric strabismus patients.

An epidemiological study of the risk factors associated with myopia in young adult men in Korea.

The prevalence of myopia has been increasing worldwide. Its causes are not completely clear, although genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role. Data were collected by the Korean Military Manpower Administration. Frequency analysis was used for comparisons of general characteristics. Pearson's chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis were used to verify the correlations between possible risk factors and the prevalence of myopia or high myopia. The prevalence of myopia (50.6-53.0%) and high myopia (11.3-12.9%) increased each year. These tended to be the highest in patients born in spring, and decreased in the following order according to education level: 4- or 6-year university education or more, high school education or less, and 2- to 3-year college education. Moreover, the prevalence of myopia and high myopia was significantly higher in patients ≤ 60 kg and with a body mass index ≤ 18.5 kg/m2. The prevalence of high myopia was significantly higher in taller patients (≥175 cm). The prevalence of myopia and high myopia increased each year in Korean young adult men and was associated with birth season, education level, height, weight, and body mass index. Tall, lean men were more likely to have high myopia.

Reduction of Consecutive Esotropia Using Modified Contralateral Recession and Resection for Recurrent Intermittent Exotropia.

PURPOSE: To report consecutive esotropia in contralateral lateral rectus recession and medial rectus resection for recurrent intermittent exotropia after unilateral lateral rectus recession and medial rectus resection and to evaluate the surgical outcome of modified contralateral lateral rectus recession and medial rectus resection for exotropia after unilateral lateral rectus recession and medial rectus resection. METHODS: A total of 36 patients were included in this retrospective study. As a primary surgery for exotropia, all patients underwent unilateral lateral rectus recession and medial rectus resection on the non-dominant eye. Patients were subsequently assigned to either conventional contralateral lateral rectus recession and medial rectus resection (surgical dosages based on Wright's surgical table) (n = 19; conventional group) or modified contralateral lateral rectus recession and medial rectus resection (surgical dosages reduced by 5 prism diopters on Wright's surgical table) (n = 17; modified group) for recurrent exotropia. Surgical success rates were evaluated. Reoperation or prism glasses prescription rates due to consecutive esotropia were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean follow-up durations after reoperation were 25.8 and 24.0 months in the conventional and modified groups, respectively. The surgical success rates were 73.7% and 82.4% (P = .538, Fisher's exact test) and the recurrence rates were 0% and 17.6% (P = .059, Fisher's exact test), respectively. The reoperation or prism glasses prescription rates due to consecutive esotropia were 26.3% and 0%, respectively (P = .025, Fisher's exact test). CONCLUSIONS: Final outcomes were better in the modified group compared to the conventional group. Consecutive esotropia was significantly more frequent in the conventional group than in the modified group. In surgery for recurrent exotropia, a reduction of the surgical dosage will reduce the incidence of consecutive esotropia. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2018;55(1):53-58.].

Surgical Outcome of Intermittent Exotropia With Improvement in Control Grade Subsequent to Part-time Preoperative Occlusion Therapy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of improvement in the control grade of intermittent exotropia using part-time occlusion therapy on the final postoperative outcome. METHODS: Control of intermittent exotropia was graded as good, fair, or poor in 89 consecutive patients with intermittent exotropia during their first visit. The patients were reevaluated after part-time preoperative occlusion therapy and divided into two groups (improvement and no improvement) according to whether they showed improvement in control grade. The surgical success rate was compared retrospectively between the two groups. RESULTS: The mean angle of deviation on the first visit was 27.61 ± 5.40 prism diopters (PD) at distance and 29.82 ± 5.28 PD at near. There were significant improvements in the angles of deviation for distance (26.17 ± 5.09 PD) and near (27.26 ± 5.56 PD) after part-time occlusion (both P < .001). The 49 patients who had a significantly improved control grade had a significantly better surgical success rate (77.6%) than the 40 patients who did not (50%; P = .007). CONCLUSIONS: Part-time occlusion therapy improves the control grade of intermittent exotropia, leading to a better likelihood of successful surgery and a reduction of the angles of deviation for distance and near. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2018;55(1):59-64.].

Comparison of Long-term Surgical Outcomes of Two-muscle Surgery in Basic-type Intermittent Exotropia: Bilateral versus Unilateral.

PURPOSE: To compare long-term surgical outcomes after bilateral lateral rectus recession (BLR) and unilateral lateral rectus recession-medial rectus resection (RR) for the treatment of basic-type intermittent exotropia. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent BLR or RR for treatment of intermittent exotropia between 1999 and 2010 and underwent ≥5 years of follow-up were recruited for this study. Surgical outcomes were grouped according to postoperative angle of deviation: overcorrection (esophoria/tropia >8 prism diopters [Δ]), success (esophoria/tropia ≤8Δ to exophoria/tropia ≤8Δ), and undercorrection/recurrence (exophoria/tropia >8Δ). Outcomes were compared between the BLR group and the RR group at postoperative week 1, months 1 and 6, and years 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. RESULTS: Of 99 patients, 37 underwent BLR and 62 underwent RR. At postoperative month 6 (97.3% vs. 82.3%, p = 0.045) and year 1 (91.9% vs. 74.2%, p = 0.040), the surgical success rates in the BLR group were significantly higher than in the RR group. Recurrence of exophoria/tropia most commonly occurred between 2 and 3 years after surgery in the BLR group, but continuous recurrences were found in the RR group. At postoperative year 5, the surgical success rate was 54.1% in the BLR group and 41.9% in the RR group (p = 0.403). The reoperation rate was 24.3% in the BLR group and 33.9% in the RR group (p = 0.317). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical outcomes 5 years after surgery for intermittent exotropia were comparable between the BLR and RR groups. The surgical success rate and the reoperation rate were not significantly different between the BLR and RR groups.

Effect of modified graded recession and anteriorization on unilateral superior oblique palsy: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Several inferior oblique (IO) weakening methods exist for correction of superior oblique palsy (SOP). A previously reported method involved recession and anteriorization according to IO overaction (IOOA) grade, which might be subjective and cause upgaze limitation and opposite vertical strabismus. Therefore, this study attempted to examine the efficacy of modified graded recession and anteriorization of the IO muscle in correction of unilateral SOP without resulting in upgaze limitation or opposite vertical strabismus. METHODS: A total of 26 patients (male, 16; female, 10; age: 3-40 years) with SOP and head tilt or diplopia underwent modified graded recession and anteriorization. Patients were grouped by the position at which the IO muscle was attached inferior/temporal to the lateral border of the inferior rectus (IR) as follows: (1) 7.0/2.0 mm (4 patients), (2) 6.0/2.0 mm (3 patients), (3) 5.0/2.0 mm (3 patients), (4) 4.0/2.0 mm (11 patients), (5) 3.0/0.0 mm (2 patients), and (6) 2.0/0.0 mm (3 patients). Recession and anteriorization were matched to vertical deviation in the primary position at far distance. Remaining diplopia, head tilt, vertical deviation (≤3 prism diopter (PD), excellent; 4-7 PD, good; and ≥ 8 PD, poor), upgaze limitation, and opposite vertical strabismus were evaluated. RESULTS: The average pre and postoperative 1-year vertical deviation angles in the primary position at far distance were 15.0 ± 5.6 PD and 1.2 ± 2.0 PD, respectively. At 1 year post-surgery, the vertical deviation angles were reduced by 6.8-21.0 PD from those at baseline. Few patients exhibited remaining head tilt, diplopia, upgaze limitation, or opposite vertical strabismus. Correction of hypertropia was excellent in 22 and good in 4 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Modified graded recession and anteriorization of the IO muscle is an effective surgical method for treating unilateral SOP. It exhibits good results and reduces the incidence of opposite vertical strabismus.

Comparison of Postoperative Exodrift after First Unilateral and Second Contralateral Lateral Rectus Recession in Recurrent Exotropia.

PURPOSE: To compare postoperative exodrift of the first unilateral lateral rectus (ULR) muscle recession with the exodrift of the second contralateral ULR muscle recession in patients with recurrent small-angle exotropia (XT). METHODS: We evaluated the results of a second ULR muscle recession in 19 patients with recurrent XT with deviation angles under 25 prism diopter (PD), following a first procedure of ULR muscle recession for small-angle XT. Recession of the lateral rectus muscle ranged from 8 to 9 mm. The postoperative motor alignment and degree of exodrift were investigated after the first ULR muscle recession and the second ULR muscle recession in the same patients. RESULTS: Observed differences in postoperative ocular alignment between the first ULR muscle recession and the second ULR muscle recession were statistically significant at follow-up periods of six months (7.84 ± 4.43 vs. 3.89 ± 3.47 PD), one year (9.58 ± 4.97 vs. 5.21 ± 4.94 PD), and at a final follow-up (21.11 ± 2.98 vs. 7.52 ± 4.06 PD) after surgery (p = 0.006, 0.013, and 0.000). Postoperative exodrift was statistically different between the first and second ULR muscle recessions at three to six months (2.89 ±3.75 vs. 0.63 ± 3.45 PD) and one year to final follow-up (11.52 ± 5.50 vs. 2.32 ± 3.53 PD) (p = 0.034 and 0.000). All of the first ULR muscle recession patients showed XT with deviation angles of more than 15 PD at the final follow-up. Regardless, the surgical success rate (<8 PD) after the second ULR recession was 63.16% (12 patients) among the total amount of patients with recurrent XT. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that changes in exodrift after a second ULR muscle recession are less than changes after the first URL muscle recession among patients with recurrent XT. A second ULR muscle recession may be a useful surgery for small-angle XT patients with deviation angles of 25 PD or less after a first ULR muscle recession.

Comparison of Surgical Outcomes with Unilateral Recession and Resection According to Angle of Deviation in Basic Intermittent Exotropia.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare the surgical outcomes and near stereoacuities after unilateral medial rectus (MR) muscle resection and lateral rectus (LR) recession according to deviation angle in basic intermittent exotropia, X(T). METHODS: Ninety patients with basic type X(T) were included in this study. They underwent unilateral recession of the LR and resection of the MR and were followed postoperatively for at least 12 months. Patients were divided into three groups according to their preoperative deviation angle: group 1 ≤20 prism diopter (PD), 20 PD< group 2 <40 PD, and group 3 ≥40 PD. Surgical outcomes and near stereoacuities one year after surgery were evaluated. Surgical success was defined as having a deviation angle range within ±10 PD for both near and distance fixation. RESULTS: Among 90 patients, groups 1, 2, and 3 included 30 patients each. The mean age in groups 1, 2, and 3 was 9.4 years, 9.4 years, and 11.0 years, respectively. The surgical success rates one year after surgery for groups 1, 2, and 3 were 80.0%, 73.3%, and 73.3% (chi-square test, p = 0.769), respectively. The undercorrection rates for groups 1, 2, and 3 were 16.7%, 23.3%, and 26.7%, and the overcorrection rates were 3.3%, 3.3%, and 0%, respectively. The mean preoperative near stereoacuities for groups 1, 2, and 3 were 224.3 arcsec, 302.0 arcsec, and 1,107.3 arcsec, and the mean postoperative near stereoacuities were 218.3 arcsec, 214.7 arcsec, and 743.0 arcsec (paired t-test; p = 0.858, p = 0.379, p = 0.083), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In basic X(T) patients, the amount of angle deviation has no influence on surgical outcomes in unilateral LR recession and MR resection. The near stereoacuities by one year after LR recession and MR resection for intermittent X(T) were not different among patient groups separated by preoperative deviation angle.

Relationship between control grade, stereoacuity and surgical success in basic intermittent exotropia.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to identify the relationship between control grade, stereoacuity and surgical success in basic intermittent exotropia. METHODS: This retrospective study involved 44 basic intermittent exotropia patients who underwent strabismus surgery and completed at least 6 months of follow-up. The 44 patients were divided into three subgroups according to their control grade: group 1 (good control group, n = 12), group 2 (fair control group, n = 18), and group 3 (poor control group, n = 14). Evaluation was done to identify the relationships between near and distance stereoacuity and control grade, and between surgical success and control grade. Surgical success was defined as ocular alignment between 5 prism diopters esodeviation and 10 prism diopters exodeviation in the primary position at the final visit. RESULTS: Mean near stereoacuity measured by the graded circle test was 57.50 seconds of arc (seconds) in group 1, 77.77 seconds in group 2, and 131.43 seconds in group 3 (p < 0.01). Mean distance steroacuity measured by Mentor B-VAT II BVS contour circle was 108.33 seconds in group 1, 148.33 seconds in group 2, and 262.82 seconds in group 3 (p < 0.01). Ten patients (83.33%) in group 1, 12 (66.67%) in group 2, and 9 (64.29%) in group 3 obtained surgical success (p = 0.28). CONCLUSIONS: In basic intermittent exotropia, better control grade was significantly accompanied by better stereoacuity. Better control grade was accompanied by higher surgical success rate but with no statistical significance.

Factors influencing the prevalence of amblyopia in children with anisometropia.

PURPOSE: To evaluate factors that can influence the prevalence of amblyopia in children with anisometropia. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 63 children 2 to 13 years of age who had anisometropic amblyopia with a difference in the refractive errors between the eyes of at least two diopters (D). The type of anisometropia (myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism), degree of anisometropia (<2-3 D, <3-4 D, or >4 D), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of the amblyopic eye at the time of initial examination, BCVA differences between sound and amblyopic eyes, whether or not occlusion therapy was performed, compliance with occlusion therapy, and the patient's age when eyeglasses were first worn were investigated. RESULTS: There was an increase in the risk of amblyopia with increased magnitude of anisometropia (p=0.021). The prevalence of amblyopia was higher in the BCVA <20/40 group and in patients with BCVA differences >4 lines between sound and amblyopic eyes (p=0.008 and p=0.045, respectively). There was no statistical relationship between the prevalence of amblyopia and the type of anisometropia or the age when eyeglasses were first worn. Poor compliance with occlusion therapy was less likely to achieve successful outcome (p=0.015). CONCLUSIONS: Eyes with poor initial visual acuities of <20/40, a high magnitude of anisometropia, and a >4 line difference in the BCVA between sound and amblyopic eyes at the initial visit may require active treatment.

A comparison of the clinical characteristics of intermittent exotropia in children and adults.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare and differentiate the clinical characteristics of intermittent exotropia (X(T)) in children and adults. METHODS: This study included 398 patients with X(T): 360 children ranging in age from 1 to 14 years and 38 adults over 15 years of age. Patients with neurological abnormalities or developmental delays were excluded. Clinical characteristics of interest included sex, age on first visit, age of onset, type of onset, duration to surgery, family history, chief complaints, type of fixation, refractive errors, sensory tests, angle of deviation, fundus examination, oblique muscle dysfunction, and other associated ocular disorders. RESULTS: In both groups, an insidious onset was more common than a sudden onset (p=0.033). Outward deviation was the most common chief complaint in both groups, followed by photophobia in the childhood group, and diplopia in the adult group. The most common subtype of X(T) was the basic type. The mean near deviation was 23.6+/-7.9 prism diopters (PD) in the childhood group and 30.7+/-12.2 PD in the adult group (p=0.01). The mean distance deviation was 23.4+/-6.1 PD and 28.3+/-11.2 PD in the childhood and adult groups, respectively (p=0.028). The rate of fusion, measured with the Worth 4-dot test at near and distance was higher in the childhood group, as compared to the adult group (p=0.024 and p=0.048, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Among X(T) patients, the chief complaints, angle of deviation, and Worth 4-dot tests showed significant differences between the childhood and adult groups. Therefore, these are important factors to consider when assessing adults and children with X(T).

The comparison of mydriatic effect between two drugs of different mechanism.

PURPOSE: To maximize effective use of mydriatic drugs through comparing the pupillary dilation effects between 1% tropicamide and 2.5% phenylephrine. METHODS: Fifty people requiring pupillary dilation were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 was treated with one drop of 1% tropicamide in the right eye and one drop of 2.5% phenylephrine in the left eye. Group 2 was treated twice during a 5-minute interval with 1% tropicamide in the right eye. Group 3 was treated twice during a 5-minute interval with 2.5% phenylephrine in the right eye. Groups 2 and 3 were treated with 2.5% phenylephrine and 1% tropicamide in the left eye, administered during a 5-minute interval. The pupillary size was measured in all groups for 40 minutes following eye drops administration. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 15.7 years. Group 1 included 10 patients, and groups 2 and 3 included 20 patients each. Eight patients in group 1 and 16 patients in group 2 developed a larger right pupil. Fourteen patients in group 3 developed a larger left pupil. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that 1% tropicamide, with its parasympathetic antagonistic mechanism of action, was more effective at inducing pupillary dilation than 2.5% phenylephrine, and the combination of 1% tropicamide and 2.5% phenylephrine was more effective than multiple drops of single eye drops.