The efficacy of part-time patching treatment for intermittent exotropia on different age groups

Intermittent exotropia (IXT) is one of the most common forms of strabismus usually seen in the pediatric age group, the prevalence of IXT is higher in Africa and the Middle East. IXT treatment strategies include both surgical and non-surgical methods, non-surgical management is preferred in general as it is less invasive and avoids the risks associated with surgery and anesthesia.

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of patching therapy for the treatment of IXT in different age groups and to compare the success of patching therapy in preventing surgery in IXT patients in different age groups.

A retrospective chart review was conducted from September 2022 until February 2023 at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Riyadh. The data was collected retrospectively from electronic medical records from 2016 to 2021 of all patients diagnosed with IXT and were managed by patching therapy fitting the inclusion criteria.

A total of 76 patients with IXT enrolled in the study with 56.5% of the participants were older than 7 years old. Overall, there was no improvement in the angle of deviation but 34% of patients had improved control over the follow-up period. 55.3% of the participants didn't require surgery. Younger age, longer duration of patching per month, and good compliance were significantly associated with treatment success.

Younger age groups were more likely to benefit from patching therapy than older age groups, and good compliance to patching therapy is an important factor in preventing the need for surgery.