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Vision therapy for basic exotropia in adults: 2 case studies
Angela Peddle1, Esther Han, Audra Steiner
1Department of Clinical Sciences, State University of New York State College of Optometry, New York, New York, USA. dr.apeddle@gmail.com
Optometry (St. Louis, Mo.)
|April 26, 2011
Summary
Optometric vision therapy (VT) effectively treated basic intermittent exotropia in adults. This non-surgical approach resolved symptoms like eye strain and double vision, offering a successful alternative for managing this challenging condition.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Optometry
Background:
- Basic exotropia represents a significant portion of intermittent exotropia cases.
- Adults with childhood-onset exotropia present unique treatment challenges.
- There is ongoing debate regarding the efficacy of treatments like vision therapy (VT) and surgery for adult strabismus.
Observation:
- Two adult patients with moderate basic intermittent exotropia experienced asthenopia, headaches, and diplopia.
- A course of 20-30 in-office vision therapy sessions was administered.
- Treatment aimed to reduce deviation magnitude/frequency, enhance binocularity, and alleviate symptoms.
Findings:
- Both patients achieved a phoric state for all distances post-VT.
- Normal vergence ability and near point of convergence were restored.
- Long-term follow-up in one case confirmed sustained positive outcomes 5 years after therapy.
Implications:
- Optometric vision therapy demonstrates high efficacy for basic intermittent exotropia in adults.
- VT successfully eliminated symptoms of asthenopia and diplopia.
- This non-surgical intervention provides a viable alternative to surgical realignment for specific strabismus cases.
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