Bilateral inferior rectus muscle recession for correction of hypotropia in dysthyroid ophthalmopathy.

PURPOSE: The restrictive myopathy of dysthyroid ophthalmopathy frequently results in strabismus and diplopia. The most common deviation is hypotropia. Ipsilateral inferior rectus muscle recession, the generally accepted treatment, may lead to a progressive marked overcorrection. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the results of bilateral asymmetric inferior rectus muscle operations with regard to late progressive overcorrection.

METHODS

A retrospective review of all patients undergoing bilateral inferior rectus muscle recession for dysthyroid ophthalmopathy between 1993 and 1997 found 8 patients with hypotropia resulting from dysthyroid ophthalmopathy. Alignment and motility were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively in all patients. Bilateral asymmetric inferior rectus muscle recession was performed on all patients with an adjustable suture performed on the hypotropic eye. A successful, long-term, postoperative result was defined as orthophoria or a vertical misalignment of less than or equal to 5 PD in primary gaze.

RESULTS

Data were collected from 8 patients at 4 to 6 weeks postoperatively. Six patients had successful alignment, and 2 patients remained undercorrected. Seven patients were successfully aligned, and 1 patient was undercorrected at the latest postoperative examination (mean, 18 months).

CONCLUSION

In our series, bilateral asymmetric inferior rectus muscle recession resulted in successful correction of hypotropia without late postoperative overcorrections in patients with dysthyroid ophthalmopathy.