Far distance control scores for assessing intermittent exotropia

Abstract

To assess the level of control in intermittent exotropia by applying the office-based 6-point control scale to far-distance testing. Fifty-two children with intermittent exotropia were enrolled in this prospective, noninterventional case series. Control of exodeviation was assessed at indoor distance (ID) of 3m and near distance of 33cm using the office-based 6-point control scale, which was additionally applied to indoor far distance (IFD) fixation of 30m and outdoor far distance (OFD) fixation of 50m. In all 52 patients, the level of control at OFD fixation was either worse than (31%) or the same as (70%) the level of control at IFD fixation and the level of control at IFD fixation was worse than (64%) or the same as (35%) the level of control at ID fixation. The level of control at OFD fixation was worse than (69%) or the same as (31%) the level of control at ID fixation for all 52 patients. The differences between mean control scores of OFD and IFD fixation (P=0.002), IFD and ID fixation (P<0.001), OFD and ID fixation (P<0.001) were statistically significant. The outdoor and indoor far distance control scores can increase the sensitivity of the office-based 6-point control scale. The office control scale for assessing control in patients with intermittent exotropia could have application for the management of intermittent exotropia.