Refractive error changes after bilateral medial rectus muscle recession surgery in congenital esotropia

Abstract

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in refractive errors after bilateral medial rectus muscle recession surgery in children with congenital esotropia. Patients and methods Medical reports of 75 children with congenital esotropia were retrospectively reviewed. All included patients attended the Ain Shams University hospitals for undergoing bilateral medial rectus muscle recession surgery from January 2013 till January 2016. Cycloplegic refraction was done preoperatively and 3 months and 1 year postoperatively. Spherical equivalent (SE) was calculated to determine the amount of change in refractive error especially astigmatism and its axis. Patients were excluded if neurological abnormalities or developmental delays were documented and if structural eye abnormalities were present. Results Significant myopic shift and astigmatic change were determined in the SE refraction in the early postoperative period (3 months); however, these changes disappeared in the long term (at the postoperative first year). Conclusion Only the early postoperative period showed significant change in the SE value with myopic shift that necessitates early postoperative visual rehabilitation for fear of recurrence of the deviation or development of amblyopia.