[Management of induced diplopia after orbital decompression: study of 87 interventions in 51 patients]

To evaluate early strabismus treatment in patients suffering from diplopia after orbital decompression for dysthyroid orbitopathy.

We conducted a chart review of 51 patients (87 orbits) who underwent orbital decompression from July 1998 to June 2007. Ocular deviations, incidence of diplopia according to the type of decompression performed and the type and results of strabismus surgery were evaluated.

Diplopia was induced by decompression in 34.2% of patients, with no statistically significant difference with respect to the type of decompression performed. Forty-nine percent of patients had postoperative diplopia. Strabismus surgery was performed on average 10.9weeks after decompression. Diplopia persisted in two patients (8%).

Early strabismus surgery and the intraoperative relaxed muscle positioning technique appear to provide favorable results. It allows for a more rapid rehabilitation. Better adapted choice of decompression technique may improve final outcomes.