Clinical correlates of ocular dominance in post-facial paralysis synkinesis.

PURPOSE: We aimed to explore the relationship between ocular dominance and synkinesis severity.

METHODS

Through phone interviews and a web-based survey, patients were asked to test their ocular dominance via the Miles test. Additionally, patients were asked to complete the standardized synkinesis questionnaire to assess the severity of their symptoms, where higher scores correlate with more severe symptoms. A retrospective chart review and survey were conducted on eligible patients.

RESULTS

Sixty-six participants with a mean age of 66.24 years (standard deviation 11.80 years) completed the survey. Patients with bilateral ocular dominance demonstrated significantly higher synkinesis scores (p < 0.05). No notable difference between the patient groups (same side ocular dominance, opposite ocular dominance, and bilateral dominance) emerged in Botox intervention (total units and number of treatments) or presence of surgical intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Bilateral ocular dominance was associated with higher synkinesis scores. These findings may help guide patient expectations regarding relevant interventions including botulinum injections and surgery; however, no significant difference was found in management. Further studies may be needed to expand the generalizability of these findings.