Surgical outcomes of unilateral recession-resection for vertical strabismus in patients with thyroid eye disease

Abstract

Purpose To present the surgical outcomes of vertical muscle resection in patients with thyroid eye disease (TED). Methods The medical records of 6 patients who underwent unilateral vertical muscle recession-resection to correct vertical strabismus in TED were reviewed retrospectively for postoperative angle of vertical deviation on days 1 and 7 and at months 1, 3, 6, and 12. Surgery was considered successful if the vertical deviation was ≤4Δ. Reoperation rates and complications were also noted. Results The mean preoperative angle of vertical deviation was 39.2Δ ± 3.8Δ, and the mean final ocular deviation at 12 months postoperatively was 3.8Δ ± 5.9Δ. There was significant reduction in postoperative vertical deviation (paired t test, P < 0.001). Surgery was successful in 4 patients (67%). There was neither unusual postoperative inflammation nor increased restriction of the resected muscle postoperatively in any patient. Conclusions Based on careful assessment and appropriate patient selection, vertical muscle resection can be considered an effective option that provides satisfactory surgical outcomes with regard to vertical deviation correction in TED.