Stepped Strabismus Surgery

Purpose: To present stepped strabismus surgery as a novel technique in cases of small to moderate angle strabismus.

Methods: Retrospective chart review of cases of stepped strabismus surgery from 2010 untill 2018. In stepped surgery, the first muscle is operated on under rapid induction-recovery IV propofol infusion. Patient is assessed in the OR. If deemed necessary, other muscles are operated on under general anesthesia. No adjustable sutures are used.

Results: The technique was used in 22 cases of superior oblique palsy (SOP) (primary position hypertropia in the range of 12-25 prism diopters) and 29 horizontal strabismus cases (angles in the range 12-20 prism diopters). The first step was an inferior oblique myectomy in the SOP cases and a single rectus recession in the horizontal cases. After intraoperative assessment, 31% (16/51) needed additional muscle surgery. After 6 months of follow up, the overall reoperation rate was 9%. The technique was well tolerated by all patients.

Conclusion: Stepped strabismus surgery is a useful technique for small to moderate angle strabismus cases with the potential for reducing the number of extraocular muscles operated on without compromising the surgical outcome.