Background: First described in 1957, anterior segment ischemia (ASI) following extraocular muscle surgery for non paralytic or paralytic strabismus is a rare but serious complication. Systemic and anatomical risk factors can be identified and vesselsparing surgical techniques used. The aim of this study is to evaluate those changes in the anterior chamber that may indicate the presence of post-operative subclinical ASI.
Methods: Pre- and 1 day post-operative anterior chamber flare measurements with the Laser flare cell meter (Kowa FC-1000) were made in 107 patients (109 operations) undergoing strabismus surgery. Surgery was carried out by the same surgeon in all cases and under general anaesthesia. Patients were divided into different groups according to the muscles operated (horizontal recti, vertical recti, obliques, or combinations thereof).
Results: Global and selective analysis showed no significant statistical difference between pre- and post-operative flare measurements in patients undergoing strabismus surgery.
Conclusion: No subclinical ASI was found in this study of 109 strabismus operations (107 patients).