Refractive surgery as a treatment tool for strabismus: systematic review

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Refractive Surgery
• Strabismus Management

Background:

• The role of refractive surgery in managing horizontal strabismus is an evolving area of clinical interest.
• Understanding its impact provides crucial context for treatment decisions in strabismus patients.

Approach:

• A systematic review of 515 identified studies was conducted.
• 26 studies met the inclusion criteria for analysis.

Key Points:

• Refractive surgery generally decreased the mean uncorrected postoperative angle of deviation when the deviation was partly or fully due to refractive error.
• Outcomes for non-accommodative horizontal strabismus were varied, with limited evidence supporting refractive surgery for this condition.
• Efficacy in reducing concomitant horizontal strabismus is influenced by the type of ocular deviation, patient age, and the degree of refractive error.

Conclusions:

• Refractive surgery is a potentially effective treatment for refractive accommodative horizontal strabismus in patients with stable, mild to moderate myopia or hyperopia.
• Careful patient selection is essential to achieve optimal outcomes when considering refractive surgery for strabismus.