Rectus muscle recession and resection without scleral sutures

Abstract

Purpose: To eliminate the risk of scleral perforation during strabismus surgery in susceptible patients, we introduce a technique to allow predictable rectus muscle recession and resection without the placement of scleral sutures. Methods: Three patients with thin sclera underwent rectus muscle surgery by use of a double-arm suture technique that avoids placement of sutures directly into the sclera. Two of the patients had esotropia and underwent bilateral lateral rectus muscle resections and a unilateral recess/resect operation, respectively. One of the patients had exotropia and underwent bilateral lateral rectus muscle recessions. Results: All three patients achieved postoperative alignment to within 15 PD of orthotropia and had no evidence of slipped or lost muscle when examined 2 months postoperatively. The appearance of the ocular surface was excellent in all three cases. Conclusions: Predictable and secure rectus muscle recession and resection can be performed without the placement of scleral sutures in patients in whom scleral suturing may be hazardous.