Research progress on non-surgical treatment of intermittent exotropia
10.3980/j.issn.1672-5123.2026.1.16
- VernacularTitle:间歇性外斜视非手术治疗的研究进展
- Author:
Lian WANG
1
;
Shan YANG
1
Author Information
1. Department of Ophthalmology, Chongqing Youyoubaobei Women and Children's Hospital, Chongqing 401122, China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
intermittent exotropia;
over-minus correction;
covering;
prism;
orthoptic exercises
- From:
International Eye Science
2026;26(1):91-95
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Intermittent exotropia(IXT)is the most prevalent form of childhood strabismus, with an estimated prevalence of approximately 3.26% in the Chinese population. Although patients can intermittently maintain orthotropia, the deviation angle often fluctuates markedly, and frank exotropia may become evident during fatigue or lapses in attention. Without intervention, roughly 75% of cases progress over time. Management comprises surgical and non-surgical approaches. Surgery remains the most definitive treatment, however, the optimal timing is controversial, and postoperative outcomes may include under- or over-correction, necessitating additional procedures. Non-surgical options include observation, refractive correction, over-minus lens therapy, prisms, orthoptic exercises, and botulinum toxin-A injections. These modalities are particularly suitable for young, or uncooperative children, patients with small-angle, well-controlled deviations, or those seeking to defer surgery, in such cases, non-surgical treatment can maintain binocular alignment and preserve monocular function, thereby delaying or avoiding surgery. Because the efficacy of each non-surgical strategy varies, this review summarizes the current evidence on non-surgical treatment of IXT.
