Strabismus in patients with cortical visual impairment: outcomes of surgery and observations of spontaneous resolution

PurposeTo investigate the rate of spontaneous resolution of strabismus in patients with cortical visual impairment (CVI) at a single center over a 10-year period and to evaluate the success rate of strabismus surgery.MethodsThe medical records of patients with CVI and strabismus seen between October 2003 and October 2013 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were classified into 4 outcome groups: (1) those who experienced spontaneous resolution of strabismus, (2) those with persistent strabismus who did not undergo surgery, (3) those who achieved postoperative alignment of ≤10Δ; and (4) those whose final postoperative alignment was 11Δ-25Δ or >25Δ.ResultsA total of 70 patients were included. Of these, 11 patients (16%) experienced spontaneous resolution of strabismus, 27 (38%) were observed without receiving surgery, and 32 (46%) underwent strabismus surgery. Of these 32, 18 (56%) achieved alignment of ≤10Δ; 9 (28%), alignment of 11Δ-25Δ; and 5 (16%), alignment >25Δ. The patients who did not undergo surgery were significantly older at presentation (36 months vs 12-15 months; P = 0.03); otherwise, there were no significant differences between groups in age at surgery or spontaneous resolution, type of strabismus, or underlying cause of CVI.ConclusionsIn our study cohort, a minority of patients with CVI and strabismus (16%) experienced spontaneous resolution of strabismus. Only 16% of patients undergoing surgery had poor final alignment (>25Δ). Strabismus surgery can be reasonably successful in properly selected patients with CVI and strabismus. These patients show considerable rates of resolution of their strabismus, either spontaneously or through surgery.