Anterior segment ischemia after three rectus muscle surgery

Nine patients underwent simultaneous or staged detachment of the vertical and medial rectus muscles in the treatment of sixth nerve palsy or Duane's retraction syndrome. In five adult patients (34, 35, 41, 45, and 65 years of age), clinically significant anterior segment ischemia developed postoperatively. Known medical risk factors were present in only one case. With the exception of corectopia, there were no apparent sequelae and all involved eyes returned to preoperative visual acuity within 9 weeks of surgery. Anterior segment ischemia may be a frequent complication of strabismus surgery in adult patients when the superior, inferior, and medial rectus muscles are detached from the globe.