Study on the stereopsis of intermittent and constant exotropia

Objective To study the preoperative and postoperative changes of stereopsis and opportunity of operation of intermittent exotropia and constant exotropia having a intermittent period.Methods Forty-eight cases were evenly divided into 3 groups of 4-7 years, 8-11 years, ≥12 years respectively. Stereogram and synoptophore were tested and analysed before and after surgery. Results The postoperative stereopsis of short distance in most of patients were better than the preoperative one. But the recovery of long distance stereopsis was not significant. Furthermore, patients of 4-7 years group recovered better than those of the other two groups in both near and long distance stereopsis.Conclusion (1)It is advisable to study intermittent exotropia and constant exotropia having a intermittent period as an integer. It is crucila how to establish a diagnostic criteria of constant exotropia having a intermittent period. (2)Stereopsis of short distance recovered first, and then that of long distance did in patients with intermittent exotropia and constant exotropia having a intermittent period. An early surgery should be performed to get a better recovery of stereopsis.