Ocular Motility Changes After Macular Buckle for Myopic Traction Maculopathy

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Surgery
• Ocular Motility

Background:

• Pathologic myopia can lead to myopic traction maculopathy, a vision-threatening condition.
• Macular buckling surgery is an established treatment, with the NPB model offering novel approaches.
• Orthoptic complications following macular buckling surgery require careful evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess changes in ocular motility after NPB macular buckling surgery.
• To identify the incidence and nature of orthoptic complications post-surgery.
• To evaluate the manageability of induced motility disorders.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of consecutive patients undergoing NPB macular buckling surgery for myopic traction maculopathy.
• Exclusion of patients with pre-existing ocular motility disorders or monocular vision.
• Pre- and postoperative orthoptic evaluations including motility, binocular vision, stereopsis, and diplopia assessment with a minimum 6-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• 30 patients completed the study after exclusions; all achieved anatomical resolution of maculopathy.
• Postoperative ocular motility abnormalities were observed in 43% (elevation deficits), 33% (hypotropia), and 30% (diplopia).
• Diplopia was managed successfully with prismatic correction in 7 patients; no buckle removals were necessary.

Conclusions:

• NPB macular buckling surgery is effective in resolving myopic traction maculopathy.
• Mild ocular motility abnormalities, including diplopia, can occur post-surgery.
• These manageable complications are generally acceptable given the anatomical and visual recovery achieved.