AIM: To investigate the effect of perioperative synoptophore scintillation training on postoperative restoration of binocular visual function in patients with constant exotropia.

METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 68(136 eyes)patients with constant exotropia, who successfully underwent surgical ophthalmological treatment from January 2017 to March 2021. Patients were divided into group A(n=35 cases, 70 eyes)and group B(n=33 cases, 66 eyes)according to whether or not they received perioperative synoptophore scintillation training. Group A included 19 males(38 eyes)and 16 females(32 eyes)(mean age: 29.34±12.72 years). Group B included 13 males(26 eyes)and 20 females(40 eyes)(mean age: 30.12±8.75 years). One month postoperatively, the patients were examined with a synoptophore, and the restoration of simultaneous vision, fusion function, and stereoscopic function were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS: There were no significant differences in age, sex, and preoperative far and near deviations between the two groups(P>0.05). Postoperatively, the restoration rates of simultaneous vision, fusion function, and stereoacuity were 54%, 54%, and 43% in group A, respectively. And 27%, 27%, and 15% in group B, respectively. Statistically, there were respectively significant differences between the two groups(χ²=5.117, 5.117, 6.280; all P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: Perioperative synoptophore scintillation training can effectively improve the binocular vision function of adult patients and older children(>12 years)with constant exotropia without binocular vision function and enhance the therapeutic effect of surgery.