Magnitude of Dissociated Vertical Deviation in the Different Positions of Gaze

Abstract

Introduction and ObjectiveControversy exists about the amount of Dissociated Vertical Deviation (DVD) in the different positions of gaze. The objective was to evaluate the influence of oblique muscles overaction in the magnitude of Dissociated Vertical Deviation.Patients and MethodA prospective study both observational and comparative was performed in 64 patients which were divided into four groups: 1) without overaction of vertical muscles, 2) inferior oblique muscle overaction, 3) superior oblique muscle overaction and 4) overaction of all four oblique muscles. The magnitude of dissociated vertical deviation was measured and the amount was compared in adduction, primary position and in abduction.ResultsThe DVD was larger in adduction when it was associated with inferior oblique muscle overaction (P = 0.01) and bigger in abduction when it was related to superior oblique muscle overaction (P = 0.03). In the remaining groups, a non-characteristic pattern was observed.ConclusionThere is a difference in the magnitude of DVD in the different positions of gaze only when it is associated with oblique muscle overaction.