Visual Outcomes after Strabismus Surgery in Pediatric Patients with Strabismic Amblyopia: An IRIS® Registry Study
Mary Ellen Hoehn1, Amin Nabavi2, Amir Rahdar2
1Department of Ophthalmology, Hamilton Eye Institute, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee; Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee.
Ophthalmology
|April 30, 2025
Summary
Strabismus surgery did not improve visual outcomes for pediatric amblyopia patients. Visual acuity improved in both surgical and non-surgical groups, especially in younger children, but surgery itself showed no added benefit.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Medicine
- Vision Science
Background:
- Strabismic amblyopia affects visual development in children.
- The role of strabismus surgery in improving visual acuity in amblyopic children remains debated.
- Understanding treatment impacts is crucial for pediatric eye care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of strabismus surgery on visual outcomes in pediatric patients diagnosed with strabismic amblyopia.
- To compare visual acuity changes in patients who underwent strabismus surgery versus those who did not.
- To analyze age-specific effects of strabismus surgery on amblyopia treatment.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of the American Academy of Ophthalmology IRIS® Registry.
- Inclusion of pediatric patients aged 3-17 with strabismus and amblyopia.
- Propensity score matching (PSM) to compare surgical and non-surgical cohorts; visual acuity (VA) assessed at 6, 12, and 24 months.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in visual outcomes between patients who had strabismus surgery and those who did not.
- Visual acuity improved significantly over 24 months in both groups, particularly in younger children (3-7 years).
- Teenage patients (13-17 years) showed no improvement; no age group demonstrated superior outcomes with surgery.
Conclusions:
- Strabismus surgery does not significantly impact visual outcomes in pediatric patients with strabismic amblyopia.
- Visual benefits from amblyopia treatment are possible up to age 12, irrespective of concurrent strabismus surgery.
- Further research may explore optimal timing and combined treatment strategies.
