BACKGROUND

Corticosteroids have been used in ophthalmology for its potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive actions. Although the role of corticosteroid treatment is pivotal in the treatment of numerous inflammatory diseases and as postoperative management of patients who undergo ocular surgeries, intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation has been a significant ocular side effect that could result after steroid use. Evaluating the changes in IOP in pediatric eyes will provide early detection and timely intervention to prevent glaucomatous optic neuropathy.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the incidence of IOP elevation among pediatric patients given corticosteroids after strabismus surgery in a tertiary hospital in Manila, Philippines.

METHODS

This is a single-center, retrospective, observational study that employs review of the clinical records of pediatric patients who underwent strabismus surgery between January 2015 and December 2022. This study was conducted last February to November 2023. Data were gathered and descriptively summarized regarding patient demographics, ophthalmologic diagnosis, type of strabismus surgery performed, preoperative and postoperative IOP readings, frequency and duration of postoperative topical steroid use, and treatment received and response to elevated IOP.

RESULTS

Forty-five (28.48%) out of the 158 pediatric patients who had strabismus surgery during the study period met the inclusion criteria for the study. The mean age of pediatric patients was 11.38 ± 5.28 years (range 2-18 years old). There were more males (55.6%) than females. All patients were administered Tobramycin + Dexamethasone eyedrops, ointment or both. The baseline, peak, and net change in IOP were 13.5 ± 2.7 mmHg, 23.1 ± 8.8 mmHg and 10 ± 8.4 mmHg respectively. IOP increased in thirty-seven (82.2%) of the patients from baseline, and 21 (56.7%) of them had a considerable rise. For most patients with considerable rise of IOP, topical steroid medication was either stopped or immediately tapered off. Nine patients received topical IOP-lowering medicine, and most of them returned to normal IOP levels two months following surgery. After then, topical IOP-lowering drugs were stopped.

CONCLUSION

IOP elevation following strabismus surgery was frequently associated with topical steroid usage, and most patients experienced considerable IOP elevation. It is highly advised to closely monitor IOP following strabismus surgery, particularly in children receiving topical steroid treatment.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Child Preschool: 2-5 Yrs Old ; Child: 6-12 Yrs Old ; Adolescent: 13-18 Yrs Old ; Strabismus ; Intraocular Pressure ; Ophthalmology ; World Health Organization ; Optic Nerve Diseases ; Volition ; General Surgery

BACKGROUND

Corticosteroids have been used in ophthalmology for its potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive actions. Although the role of corticosteroid treatment is pivotal in the treatment of numerous inflammatory diseases and as postoperative management of patients who undergo ocular surgeries, intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation has been a significant ocular side effect that could result after steroid use. Evaluating the changes in IOP in pediatric eyes will provide early detection and timely intervention to prevent glaucomatous optic neuropathy.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the incidence of IOP elevation among pediatric patients given corticosteroids after strabismus surgery in a tertiary hospital in Manila, Philippines.

METHODS

This is a single-center, retrospective, observational study that employs review of the clinical records of pediatric patients who underwent strabismus surgery between January 2015 and December 2022. This study was conducted last February to November 2023. Data were gathered and descriptively summarized regarding patient demographics, ophthalmologic diagnosis, type of strabismus surgery performed, preoperative and postoperative IOP readings, frequency and duration of postoperative topical steroid use, and treatment received and response to elevated IOP.

RESULTS

Forty-five (28.48%) out of the 158 pediatric patients who had strabismus surgery during the study period met the inclusion criteria for the study. The mean age of pediatric patients was 11.38 ± 5.28 years (range 2-18 years old). There were more males (55.6%) than females. All patients were administered Tobramycin + Dexamethasone eyedrops, ointment or both. The baseline, peak, and net change in IOP were 13.5 ± 2.7 mmHg, 23.1 ± 8.8 mmHg and 10 ± 8.4 mmHg respectively. IOP increased in thirty-seven (82.2%) of the patients from baseline, and 21 (56.7%) of them had a considerable rise. For most patients with considerable rise of IOP, topical steroid medication was either stopped or immediately tapered off. Nine patients received topical IOP-lowering medicine, and most of them returned to normal IOP levels two months following surgery. After then, topical IOP-lowering drugs were stopped.

CONCLUSION

IOP elevation following strabismus surgery was frequently associated with topical steroid usage, and most patients experienced considerable IOP elevation. It is highly advised to closely monitor IOP following strabismus surgery, particularly in children receiving topical steroid treatment.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Child Preschool: 2-5 Yrs Old ; Child: 6-12 Yrs Old ; Adolescent: 13-18 Yrs Old ; Strabismus ; Intraocular Pressure ; Ophthalmology ; World Health Organization ; Optic Nerve Diseases ; Volition ; General Surgery

This report described one case of acupuncture treatment for acquired paralytic strabismus. Acupoints included bilateral Fengchi (GB20), Sibai (ST2), Taiyang (EX-HN5), Tongziliao (GB1), Jiexi (ST41), and Taichong (LR3). Fengchi (GB20) was treated with the deep-needling nayang technique, Jiexi (ST41) with the qinglong baiwei method, and the remaining acupoints with conventional acupuncture techniques. Needles were retained for 40 min, once daily, six times per week. After two months of treatment, the patient's diplopia resolved, the right eye exhibited flexible abduction, and the ocular position returned to orthotropia. Follow-up over one year showed no recurrence.
Humans ; Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Strabismus/therapy*

This case report presents a child with intermittent exotropia who was treated with tuina. The main clinical manifestation was right eye deviation, which was diagnosed as liver and kidney deficiency and spleen and stomach qi deficiency. The treatment principles focused on harmonizing qi and blood, dispersing wind and unblocking orifices, and tonifying the liver and kidney. Tuina was applied at the head, face, and neck regions, including "opening the heavenly gate", "pushing kan palace", "rubbing the forehead" and point stimulation of Jingming (BL1), Cuanzhu (BL2), Yuyao (EX-HN4), Sizhukong (TE23), Tongziliao (GB1), as well as massaging Taiyang (EX-HN5), Qiuhou (EX-HN7), Quanliao (SI18), Chengqi (ST1), Sibai (ST2), Muchuang (GB16), Chengguang (BL6), Yifeng (TE17), and Yiming (EX-HN14). Tuina was also applied at upper limbs, including massaging Binao (LI14), Quchi (LI11), and the lower limbs, including pressing and plucking along the liver meridian. The treatment was combined with eye exercises with a "" character pattern. The tuina was administered daily during the first week; every other day from the second to fourth weeks; every four days in the second month; and once weekly in the third month. After 3 months of treatment, the patient's eye position returned to normal. A follow-up after 3 months revealed no recurrence.
Child ; Humans ; Acupuncture Points ; Exotropia/drug therapy*

Congenital fibrosis of extraocular muscles (CFEOM) syndrome is a genetically determined congenital disorder characterized by non-progressive ophthalmoplegia, restrictive ocular fixation, and ptosis. Its estimated incidence is approximately 1 in 230 000 to 250 000. This paper reports a family with type 3 CFEOM diagnosed at the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University. The proband was a 10-year-old female who presented with right esotropia and right upper eyelid ptosis. Whole-exome sequencing revealed a heterozygous c.904G>A mutation in the TUBB3 gene. Genetic testing of family members identified that the proband's mother carried the same mutation and exhibited left eyelid ptosis. The child underwent strabismus correction followed by ptosis repair, both of which led to marked postoperative improvement. For children presenting with congenital extraocular movement restriction and ptosis, genetic testing plays a crucial role in confirming the diagnosis and guiding family analysis. Additionally, individualized surgical intervention can significantly improve both ocular function and cosmetic appearance.
Humans ; Female ; Child ; Ophthalmoplegia/congenital* ; Fibrosis/congenital* ; Blepharoptosis/surgery* ; Mutation ; Tubulin/genetics* ; Pedigree ; Male ; Esotropia/genetics* ; Congenital Cranial Dysinnervation Disorders

OBJECTIVE: Intermittent exotropia (IXT) is the most common form of strabismus that warrants standardized management for better and predictable outcomes. Currently there are no preferred practice guidelines on the non-surgical management of IXT. Among the aforementioned methods, orthoptics is the most favored by optometrists and ophthalmologists based in China and Israel. However, consensus statements on the use of such modality are yet to be established. This study aimed to identify preferred non-surgical management strategies for intermittent exotropia (IXT) among members of the Philippine Society of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (PSPOS). METHODS: The survey collected data on respondent and patient demographics, perceived causes of IXT, clinical course, and management preferences. Incomplete responses were excluded, and data were analyzed using frequency distribution and the Fisher test. RESULTS: Forty of 54 (74%) PSPOS members participated, predominantly from urban settings (34 respondents). Most IXT cases were children aged 4 to 11 years. The proportion of pediatric patients was not significantly influenced by respondents’ age (p=0.1628) or practice region (p=0.451). Twenty-one (52.5%) respondents cited fusion defects as the primary cause of IXT. While twenty-one noted an unpredictable course, 14 identified it as a progressive course. Overminus lenses were preferred for younger patients (1-4 years), with an increasing preference for orthoptics in older age groups (5 to>18 years). Pediatric ophthalmologists aged 30 to 40 years (p=0.005) and those with 1 to 5 years of experience (p=0.020) favored overminus lenses for 5-10-year-olds. Preference for overminus lenses was stronger outside the NCR (p=0.044). Furthermore, 90% of respondents said surgery shouldn’t be performed at diagnosis, and 42.5% of respondents were against it for younger ages. CONCLUSION The findings revealed a strong preference for overminus lenses among PSPOS members, with increasing use of orthoptics for older patients. Factors influencing management decisions included respondent age, practice region, and perceptions of IXT’s cause and course. Future randomized controlled trials are essential to evaluate non-surgical interventions and develop comprehensive treatment guidelines.
Human ; ophthalmology ; strabismus ; exotropia

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

There is no strict by-the-book rule as to which approach is the best strabismus surgery for patients with sensory exotropia. More commonly, a monocular lateral rectus recession and a medial rectus resection (monocular R & R; MRR) is performed in the eye with a poorer prognosis. Rarely, for larger deviations, a third or fourth horizontal muscle in the better eye is added. This study aimed to determine the outcomes of strabismus surgery performed for sensory exotropia in a tertiary hospital in the Philippines.

METHODS

The medical records of all patients with sensory exotropia who underwent strabismus surgical correction from January 2015 to December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 29 medical records satisfied the inclusion criteria. Mean age at diagnosis and at the time of surgery were 7.5 ± 11.6 (range: 1 to 68 years) and 12.4 ± 16.2 years (range: 1 to 68 years) years old, respectively, with a mean follow-up of 6.2 months (range: 3 to 24 months). After a mean follow-up of 6.2 months, the overall success (alignment in primary position is within 10 prism diopters of orthotropia) was relatively low, where 34% were successful, 65.5% developed recurrence, and none had overcorrections. Survival plots of both surgeries revealed a decline in success probability in achieving desired alignment six months after surgery.

CONCLUSION

We reported the surgical outcomes of 29 patients with sensory exotropia. The general trend realized was that the decline in success rates of good alignment was evident beginning six months post-operatively. The retrospective design serves as a limitation and hence, readers should treat results with caution.

Exotropia ; Philippines

Silver-Russell Syndrome (SRS) is a rare disorder associated with prenatal and postnatal growth retardation with associated characteristic facial and ocular features including strabismus. We report the outcome of strabismus surgery performed for exotropia in a 4-year-old patient with SRS. The patient presented with decreased visual acuity and constant exotropia of the right eye noted since 3 months of age. Systemic SRS characteristics consisted of relative macrocephaly, short stature, forehead prominence and stunted growth pattern. An X-pattern exotropia is consistent with bilateral tight lateral recti muscles with overelevation in adduction of the left eye was present. Patient underwent unilateral right lateral rectus recession and right medial rectus resection for a 50-prism diopter constant exotropia. Patient had a favorable outcome of within 8 prism diopters from orthotropia at 1st, 3rd-, 6th- and 12th-month post-operatively.
Russell Syndrome ; exotropia ; macrocephaly

In this study, we explored the neural mechanism underlying impaired stereopsis and possible functional plasticity after strabismus surgery. We enrolled 18 stereo-deficient patients with intermittent exotropia before and after surgery, along with 18 healthy controls. Functional magnetic resonance imaging data were collected when participants viewed three-dimensional stimuli. Compared with controls, preoperative patients showed hypoactivation in higher-level dorsal (visual and parietal) areas and ventral visual areas. Pre- and postoperative activation did not significantly differ in patients overall; patients with improved stereopsis showed stronger postoperative activation than preoperative activation in the right V3A and left intraparietal sulcus. Worse stereopsis and fusional control were correlated with preoperative hypoactivation, suggesting that cortical deficits along the two streams might reflect impaired stereopsis in intermittent exotropia. The correlation between improved stereopsis and activation in the right V3A after surgery indicates that functional plasticity may underlie the improvement of stereopsis. Thus, additional postoperative strategies are needed to promote functional plasticity and enhance the recovery of stereopsis.
Humans ; Exotropia/surgery* ; Depth Perception/physiology* ; Strabismus/surgery* ; Oculomotor Muscles/surgery*

Intussusception refers to the invagination (telescoping) of a part of the intestine into itself. Intussusception occurs primarily in infants and toddlers.1 The peak incidence is between 4 and 36 months of age, and it is the most common cause of intestinal obstruction in this age group. 2 Approximately 1 percent of cases are in infants younger than three months, 30 percent between 3 and 12 months, 20 percent between one and two years, 25 percent between two and three years, and 10 percent between three and four years.3 Although intussusception is most common in infants and young children, it is important to consider this diagnosis in children outside this age range. Approximately 10 percent of cases are in children over five years, and 3 to 4 percent in those over 10 years.3,4 We share here images from an actual case of a 15-year-old Filipino male with an ileo-ileal intussusception that is beyond the typical age range, with an incidental finding of an intraluminal mass that was histomorphologically diagnosed as Meckel’s diverticulum (MD). The diagnosis of intussusception is relatively rare in the patient’s age and the diagnosis of MD in the presence of intussusception is sparsely reported in the Philippines. Intussusception refers to the invagination (telescoping) of a part of the intestine into itself. Intussusception occurs primarily in infants and toddlers.1 The peak incidence is between 4 and 36 months of age, and it is the most common cause of intestinal obstruction in this age group. 2 Approximately 1 percent of cases are in infants younger than three months, 30 percent between 3 and 12 months, 20 percent between one and two years, 25 percent between two and three years, and 10 percent between three and four years.3 Although intussusception is most common in infants and young children, it is important to consider this diagnosis in children outside this age range. Approximately 10 percent of cases are in children over five years, and 3 to 4 percent in those over 10 years.3,4 We share here images from an actual case of a 15-year-old Filipino male with an ileo-ileal intussusception that is beyond the typical age range, with an incidental finding of an intraluminal mass that was histomorphologically diagnosed as Meckel’s diverticulum (MD). The diagnosis of intussusception is relatively rare in the patient’s age and the diagnosis of MD in the presence of intussusception is sparsely reported in the Philippines.
Meckel Diverticulum ; Strabismus ; Adolescent