Outcome of delayed adjustable strabismus surgery in children using a bow-tie optional adjustable technique

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pediatric Surgery

Background:

• Strabismus surgery aims to realign the eyes.
• Adjustable suture techniques offer intraoperative or postoperative adjustments.
• Delayed adjustable techniques may offer advantages in specific pediatric cases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of a delayed adjustable strabismus surgery technique in children.
• To assess the efficacy of an optional adjustable suture method in pediatric strabismus correction.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of pediatric patients (<12 years) undergoing strabismus surgery.
• Utilized an optional adjustable bow-tie technique for recessions and conventional technique for resections.
• Postoperative adjustments were performed as needed on the third postoperative day.

Main Results:

• Included 11 exotropia and 16 esotropia patients (mean age 5.2 years).
• Initial success rates at 1 month were 100% for exotropia and 87.5% for esotropia.
• Final success rates were 81.8% for exotropia and 68.7% for esotropia, with low adjustment rates.

Conclusions:

• The delayed optional adjustable strabismus surgery technique is feasible in children.
• This method yields good short-term outcomes with reduced need for adjustments.
• The technique demonstrates potential for effective pediatric strabismus management.