[Sensory binocular relationships in divergent strabismus and convergent strabismus]

The adaptive processes mentioned here (which include inhibitory phenomena and modifications in spatial localization) were observed, using a stereoprojector which polarized light. Comparing the adaptive processes in convergent and divergent strabismus has led to the following observations: (1) there are differences between the two types of strabismus; these differences appear not only at the level of the binocular sensory parameter but also at the level of motor and accommodative parameters; adaptive processes are less deep and less serious in divergent and strabismus; these differences are also manifest in therapy: divergent strabismus is curable whatever the age, treatment is much shorter. These observations were the starting point for using prismatic overcorrection to induce a state of 'sensory divergence' as treatment in cases of convergent strabismus with anomalous retinal correspondence. The excellent results obtained using this method of treatment are not only due to the action on sensory binocular relations, but also to the fact that prismatic overcorrection also modifies abnormal motor patterns. Treating strabismus must involve the entire disturbed optico-sensorimotor complex.