Inferior oblique retro-equatorial myopexy: An alternative weakening

Abstract

Abstract Purpose To describe an alternative surgical approach to treat inferior oblique overaction, and report the first results of this technique. Materials and Methods A total of six consecutive eyes of six patients with primary or secondary inferior oblique overaction underwent inferior oblique retro-equatorial myopexy under general anaesthesia. The primary outcomes measured were the postoperative vertical deviation in the field of action of the inferior oblique muscle, and the intra- and postoperative surgical complications. Final results were evaluated at six-months after surgery Results The patient population consisted of three girls and three boys aged between three and seven years old. The mean preoperative inferior oblique overaction was 34° ± 4.6°, equivalent to 3+. Inferior oblique overaction was reduced in all patients with a mean reduction of 28° ± 1.98°, and the mean postoperative deviation was 6° ± 2.84°. Total success was achieved in four out of six eyes, and only one case remained under-corrected. No intra- or postoperative complications were reported. Conclusion Inferior oblique retro-equatorial myopexy is an alternative surgical approach for inferior oblique overaction. It is an efficient, safe, and reversible technique that could be used in cases of inferior oblique overaction between 2+ to 3+.