Does exotropia surgery have a long-term effect on choroidal vasculature?

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the long-term effect of exotropia surgery on the choroidal structure.

MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study included 18 patients treated with medial rectus resection and lateral rectus recession for exotropia and 18 healthy patients as a control group. Demographic and clinical characteristics as well as enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) scans were collected retrospectively. Images were binarized using ImageJ software; total choroidal area along with luminal and stromal areas (TCA, LA, and SA) were segmented, and CVI was computed as the ratio of LA/TCA. In addition, choroidal thickness (CT) was evaluated.

RESULTS

No significant differences were found between operated eyes, fellow eyes, and control group eyes in terms of CT, TCA, LA, SA, and CVI.

CONCLUSION

Strabismus surgery does not appear to negatively effect the choroidal layer in the long term. We recommend that this surgery be performed without delay as it positively affects the psychological health of the patient and improves quality of life.