Spontaneous Consecutive Exotropia After Conservative Management of Accommodative Esotropia

Abstract

Spontaneous consecutive exotropia (SCXT) in conservatively managed accommodative esotropia is not widely discussed. The author presents a case series of 4 patients with SCXT describing patient characteristics and possible risk factors. Management modifications based on this series are proposed. Four cases of patients who initially presented with accommodative esotropia and later developed SCXT are presented. The age range at presentation was between 4 months to 3 years, with total follow-up ranging between 8–15 years. All four cases presented with esotropia on or before the age of 3 years, with initial hyperopia ranging between +1.50 to +4.25. The SCXT occurred between ages 2–7 years. Possible risk factors identified include amblyopia, dissociated vertical deviation, rapid control of esodeviation, inferior oblique overaction, and poor follow-up during the course of their strabismus. The author recommends earlier tapering of hyperopia correction following initial control with full cycloplegic refraction. Identified risk factors should alert the specialists to be wary of SCXT.