Far distance control scores for assessing intermittent exotropia

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pediatric Ophthalmology
• Strabismus

Background:

• Intermittent exotropia is a common strabismus affecting binocular vision.
• Accurate assessment of exodeviation control is crucial for effective management.
• Current office-based scales may have limitations in evaluating control at various distances.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of the office-based 6-point control scale for assessing intermittent exotropia control.
• To determine if applying the scale to far-distance testing enhances sensitivity.
• To explore the scale's utility in managing intermittent exotropia.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, noninterventional case series of 52 children with intermittent exotropia.
• Control of exodeviation was assessed using the 6-point control scale at near (33 cm), indoor distance (3 m), indoor far distance (30 m), and outdoor far distance (50 m).

Main Results:

• Control levels at outdoor far distance (OFD) and indoor far distance (IFD) were generally worse than or equal to indoor distance (ID) control.
• Statistically significant differences were observed between control scores at OFD, IFD, and ID (P < 0.001).
• OFD control was worse than or equal to IFD control in all patients (31% worse, 70% same).

Conclusions:

• Incorporating outdoor and indoor far-distance scores increases the sensitivity of the 6-point control scale.
• The enhanced office control scale shows potential for improved management of intermittent exotropia.
• Far-distance testing provides valuable data for assessing exodeviation control.