Effectiveness of non-surgical intervention in Intermittent exotropia in children below 8 years of age

Title: Effectiveness of Non-Surgical Intervention in Intermittent Exotropia in Children Below 8 Years of Age

Intermittent exotropia (IXT) is one of the most common childhood strabismus disorders, characterized by intermittent outward deviation of one eye. Its progression varies widely, and both surgical and non-surgical interventions are employed, though there is limited consensus on optimal management in young children.

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of non-surgical interventions, specifically alternate intermittent occlusion (patching) and binocular vision therapy (BVT)—in improving ocular alignment, deviation control, and binocular vision in children under 8 years of age with IXT.

A prospective cohort study will be conducted from August 2025 to July 2026, enrolling 50 children diagnosed with IXT. Effectiveness will primarily be assessed using the Newcastle Control Score (NCS), along with measures of deviation angle, stereopsis, and caregiver perceptions through qualitative interviews.

The primary objective is to determine the change in NCS following intervention, while secondary objectives include evaluating caregiver perception, as well as the influence of age at onset and treatment on outcomes.

Expected results include improvement in control scores, angle of deviation, and compliance with non-surgical therapy. By integrating both clinical outcomes and caregiver perspectives, this study addresses current gaps in evidence and may help guide standardized non-surgical management protocols for IXT in younger children, potentially reducing the need for early surgical intervention.