Short-term instability of surgical correction of IXT
Reviewed by Fiona Rowe

In this retrospective observation study from southern India, the authors aimed to evaluate the progression of intermittent exotropia (IXT) following surgical correction and its contributing factors in 50 patients. Mean age at surgery was 10 years (range 6–14), 26 were male and 28 were younger than 20 years. Median angle of deviation was 37PD. Mean lateral rectus recession and mean medial rectus resection were 8mm (range 7–8) and 5mm (range 4.5–5) respectively. Minimum follow-up period was six months. During follow-up 62% showed exo drift at near fixation – four with drift only at near fixation, 27 with drift at near and distance fixation. At distance and near fixation, 26% and 28% respectively had significant drift >10PD within six months follow-up. They found no factors significantly associated with drift. Postoperatively improvement in binocular vision was reported in 16 patients. However, improved stereopsis did not infer exotropia stability. The authors acknowledge limitations of retrospective study design, small sample size and short follow-up period.

Stability of the angle of deviation in basic intermittent exotropia (IXT) following surgical correction: a retrospective observation study from southern India.
Chandramouli S, Lusobya RC, Janani AJ, et al.
STRABISMUS
2025;33(1):6–12.