Optometry and Vision Science (OVS)Comparison of Myopia Progression among Myopic Children with Intermittent Exotropia and No Strabismus

Exploring the Impact of Strabismus Surgery on Myopia Progression in Children

Children with both myopia and intermittent exotropia may not benefit significantly from strabismus correction surgery when it comes to slowing down the progression of myopia, according to a recent study. The research suggests a need for more targeted treatment strategies for this patient group.

HCN Medical Memo
For physicians working with pediatric myopic patients who also have intermittent exotropia, this study indicates that strabismus surgery may not significantly affect the natural course of myopia progression. Future studies are needed to identify more effective treatments for this specific patient population.

Study Design

• Retrospective cohort study analyzing 1,239 pediatric myopic patients evaluated between 2012 and 2020 at a tertiary care center.
• Examined trends in refractive errors over time among patients with and without intermittent exotropia.
• Also assessed trends among those who did and did not undergo strabismus correction surgery.

Approximately 22% of pediatric myopic patients also have intermittent exotropia, according to the study.

Key Findings

• 22% (275 patients) were identified to have intermittent exotropia.
• 4.4% (12 patients) from this group underwent surgical correction.
• No statistically significant difference was found in myopic progression between those with and without intermittent exotropia.
• No difference in mean annual spherical equivalent change was found between patients who underwent surgery and those who did not.

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