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 Encyclopedia - Exotropia

How does exotropia occur?
What are the signs of exotropia?
How is exotropia treated?



How does exotropia occur?


What are the signs of exotropia?




How is exotropia treated?

A comprehensive eye examination including an ocular motility (eye movement) evaluation and an evaluation of the internal ocular structures will allow an eye doctor to accurately diagnose the exotropia. Although glasses and/or patching therapy, exercises, or prisms may reduce or help control the outward-turning eye in some children, surgery is often required.

The most reliable treatment for exotropia is usually eye muscle surgery, but this is often preceded by eye patching and/or eyeglass therapy, especially if amblyopia (lazy eye) is present. This therapy is designed to maximize the existing vision in the weaker eye. In some children, this therapy may eliminate the need for surgery. There is a rare form of exotropia known as "convergence insufficiency" that responds well to therapy. This disorder is characterized by an inability of the eyes to work together when used for near viewing, such as reading. Instead of the eyes focusing together on the near object, one deviates outward.

Surgery is usually recommended if the exotropia is present for more than half of each day or if the frequency is increasing over time. Surgery is also indicated if a child has significant exotropia when reading or viewing near objects or if there is evidence that the eyes are losing their ability to work as a single unit (binocular vision). If none of these criteria are met, surgery may be postponed pending simple observation with or without some form of eyeglass and/or patching therapy. In very mild cases, there is a small chance that the exotropia will diminish with time.

The surgical procedure for the correction of exotropia involves making a small incision in the tissue covering the eye in order to reach the eye muscles. The appropriate muscles are then repositioned in order to allow the eye to move properly. The procedure is usually done under general anesthesia. Recovery time is rapid, and most people are able to resume normal activities within a few days. Following surgery, corrective eyeglasses may be needed and, in many cases, further surgery is required later to keep the eyes straight.

When a child requires surgery, the procedure is usually performed before the child attains school age. This is easier for the child and gives the eyes a better chance to work together. As with all surgery, there are some risks. However, strabismus surgery is usually a safe and effective treatment.

Related topics:

See General Examination in Eye Exam Types in Eye Health Center.
See Free Eye Tests.

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