Treatment of age-related distance esotropia with unilateral lateral rectus resection

To report the results of a series of patients who underwent lateral rectus resection of a single muscle using nonadjustable sutures to correct acquired concomitant esotropia (age-related distance esotropia).

The medical records of patients with symptomatic age-related distance esotropia who were treated by unilateral lateral rectus resection were retrospectively reviewed. Pre- and postoperative near and distance prism diopter measurements were compared.

The average age of the patients was 79.8 years (range, 68-90 years). The mean lateral rectus resection was 4.9 ± 1.3 mm. All patients had complete resolution of diplopia after surgery. Median distance esotropia measurements in primary gaze were reduced from 16.0(Δ) preoperatively to 0(Δ) postoperatively (P < 0.005) at final follow-up. Any preoperative near esotropia was also completely resolved.

In this patient cohort, age-related distance esotropia was effectively managed solely with unilateral lateral rectus resection.