Greater severity of clinical features in older patients with Duane's retraction syndrome

Duane's retraction syndrome (DRS) is a well-described entity. However, the possibility of this condition having progressive features has not been previously documented. We studied 21 consecutive patients with this disorder and found that the incidence of severe retraction on adduction, the occurrence of enophthalmos in the primary position and the presence of upshoots and downshoots were significantly higher in adults with type I DRS than in children. Awareness that the clinical features may increase in severity is important as parental counselling, coupled with effective communication to general practitioners, can prompt re-referral should such problems arise. Surgical intervention as a consequence, becomes an available option to correct disease progression.