Surgical techniques of strabismus

Improvements in the management of strabismus are largely dependent on making the specific diagnosis and differentiating patterns of strabismus. This finding is especially true in the management of superior oblique paresis because there are various types. Recent observation suggests that superior oblique paresis may be associated with a lax superior oblique tendon and that the cause of the paresis is not always neurogenic. Some authorities have suggested using the traction test of the superior oblique to determine whether the superior oblique tendon is lax. If it is lax, the treatment of choice would be a tightening procedure of the superior oblique such as the superior oblique tuck. Adjustable-suture strabismus surgery has reduced the incidence of repeat operations; however, adapting the procedure to the fornix incision has been difficult. The use of a scleral traction suture that retracts the conjunctiva to expose the muscle suture area has been useful for fornix surgery. The rectus muscles supply circulation to the anterior segment via the anterior ciliary vessels, which are routinely interrupted during strabismus surgery. Various procedures have recently been described to preserve the anterior ciliary vessels, and these procedures will be useful in patients who are predisposed to anterior segment ischemia. In the 1950s, inferior oblique weakening procedures were deemed dangerous and unpredictable. Recent advances in the understanding of inferior oblique physiology and fascial relationships have inspired the development of a new inferior oblique weakening strategy--the anteriorization procedure.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)