Large recession nystagmus surgery in albinos: effect on acuity.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of large muscle recessions on visual acuity in albinos with nystagmus.


METHODS
This is a retrospective, unmasked, chart review of 12 patients with ocular or oculocutaneous albinism demonstrating nystagmus who underwent four horizontal rectus muscle retroequatorial recessions. Pre- and postoperative visual acuity were measured.


RESULTS
Best corrected visual acuity improved postoperatively by two or more Snellen lines in 7 of 12 patients (58%). Subjective improvement of vision and nystagmus was noted by patients and examiners. Follow up was performed between 3 and 41 months; 25% of patients required reoperation for ocular alignment.


CONCLUSIONS
Large four-muscle horizontal rectus recessions may improve uniocular and binocular visual acuities in albinos with nystagmus as measured by Snellen acuity. Patients may note a qualitative decrease in the severity of their nystagmus.
Davis
P L
PL
University of Kentucky, Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Lexington 40536-0284, USA.
Baker
R S
RS
Piccione
R J
RJ
D016117:Albinism, Ocular / Q000150:complications*; D016115:Albinism, Oculocutaneous / Q000150:complications*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009759:Nystagmus, Pathologic / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D009801:Oculomotor Muscles / Q000601:surgery*; D012030:Refractive Errors / Q000150:complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity