{
  "abstract": "Evaluating the long-term outcomes of inferior oblique (IO) weakening procedures remains a key component in refining surgical strategies for managing vertical strabismus. Previous audits at our institution revealed limited follow-up beyond six months, with inconclusive differentiation between anteriorisation and recession techniques. This study aimed to assess changes in vertical deviation over time, with particular focus on the primary position (PP) and lateral gaze measurements, and to compare the long-term efficacy of different surgical approaches.A retrospective review was conducted on patients who underwent IO surgery between January 2021 and August 2024. Inclusion criteria required documented follow-up at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Data was collected on diagnosis, surgical technique, and angle of deviation in lateral gaze, near, and distance fixation. Subgroup analyses were performed to evaluate outcomes for patients undergoing IO anteriorisation versus recession, with combined or adjunctive procedures reported separately.A total of 38 patients (19 male, 19 female; mean age 29.2 years, range 2–79) with 46 eligible eyes were included. Most eyes demonstrated either stable or improving vertical deviation between 3- and 6-month follow-up. Notably, improvements in mean angle for lateral gaze and distance fixation demonstrated 33% and 22.6% reductions from month 3 to 6, respectively. These findings support the hypothesis that IO weakening effects may progress over time, potentially due to neurofibrovascular bundle regeneration contributing to muscular rebalancing.This audit focuses on improved outcomes on long-term follow-up in assessing efficacy and supports the need for further longitudinal studies",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "John Radcliffe Hospital, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Zaid Farhan"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Maha Noor"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Royal Preston Hospital, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Amit Chhabra"
    }
  ],
  "title": "130138 Inferior oblique weakening gets better with time",
  "uid": "3d6a5be0-431e-5a9f-90e1-d40869546437"
}