Comparison of alternate part-time patching and pencil push-up training for patients with intermittent exotropia

• Published in: BMC ophthalmology Vol. 22; no. 1; pp. 457 - 7
• Main Authors: Song, Desheng, Yin, Ling, Chen, Danni, Qian, Jing, Chen, Zhijun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BioMed Central Ltd 29.11.2022; BioMed Central; BMC
• Subjects: Alternate part-time patching; Child; Child, Preschool; Chronic Disease; Clinical outcomes; Comparative analysis; Diplopia; Exotropia - therapy; Humans; Intermittent exotropia; Ophthalmology; Patients; Pencil push-up training; Physical therapy; Strabismus; Students; Intermittent exotropia; Pencil push-up training; Alternate part-time patching
• ISSN: 1471-2415; 1471-2415
• DOI: 10.1186/s12886-022-02705-3

To compare the effect of alternate part-time patching and pencil push-up training on control ability in patients with intermittent exotropia. Patients (3-7 years old) with previously untreated intermittent exotropia were randomly assigned to receive alternate part-time patching, pencil push-up training, or observation. Control ability was assessed using the Office Control Score. Stereoacuity at 40 cm was evaluated with Titmus. Results were compared after a 12-week follow-up. Ninety-two patients (28 in patching, 30 in pencil push-ups, and 34 in observation group) completed 12-week follow-up assessments. Based on 6-point scale, the mean deviation control was significantly better in patching and pencil push-up group after 12 weeks at distance (P = 0.002 and 0.026, respectively). Furthermore, there were greater control changes in patching and pencil push-up groups in comparison with observation group from baseline to 12 weeks (P<0.001; P = 0.003, respectively). After 12 weeks of treatment, stereoacuity and stereoacuity changes were not significantly different between either the intervention group or control group (P = 0.140 and 0.393, respectively). Based on the common office control scale, alternate part-time patching and pencil push-up training were effective treatment strategies for intermittent exotropia.