The role of imaging in strabismus

To review the most recent literature regarding the clinical experience of imaging modalities in strabismus.

MRI of extraocular muscles (EOMs) has elucidated the roles of variation in compartmental contraction of EOMs and further evidence of EOM pulley heterotopy in various strabismus patterns, which may contribute to the clinical and surgical management of patients as this mode of imaging becomes more readily available. Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) and anterior-segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) may play a role in determining the location of EOMs which could also aid in devising a preoperative surgical plan, especially in those who have had prior strabismus surgery.

Although MRI, UBM, and AS-OCT show promise in the formulation of a treatment plan in complex strabismus, more research regarding the role and limitations of these imaging modalities is required before they become the mainstay of strabismus evaluation.