Refractive surgery as a treatment tool for strabismus: a systematic review

Abstract

The impact refractive surgery has on preoperative horizontal strabismus is rapidly evolving and this knowledge can provide valuable clinical context when considering refractive surgery as a treatment for strabismus. 515 studies were identified, of which 26 met our inclusion criteria. Analysis indicated refractive surgery resulted in overall decrease in the mean uncorrected postoperative angle of deviation caused partially or fully due to refractive error and highlighted the varied outcome of refractive surgery on nonaccommodative horizontal strabismus with limited evidence to suggest refractive surgery for this type of strabismus. Efficacy of refractive surgery in reducing concomitant horizontal strabismus depends upon several factors: type of horizontal ocular deviation, patient age, and extent of refractive error. Refractive surgery can be an effective treatment for refractive accommodative horizontal strabismus in patients with stable, mild to moderate myopia or hyperopia and should be considered with careful patient selection for optimum outcome.