Large recession nystagmus surgery in albinos: effect on acuity.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of large muscle recessions on visual acuity in albinos with nystagmus.

METHODS: This is a retrospective, unmasked, chart review of 12 patients with ocular or oculocutaneous albinism demonstrating nystagmus who underwent four horizontal rectus muscle retroequatorial recessions. Pre- and postoperative visual acuity were measured.

RESULTS: Best corrected visual acuity improved postoperatively by two or more Snellen lines in 7 of 12 patients (58%). Subjective improvement of vision and nystagmus was noted by patients and examiners. Follow up was performed between 3 and 41 months; 25% of patients required reoperation for ocular alignment.

CONCLUSION: Large four-muscle horizontal rectus recessions may improve uniocular and binocular visual acuities in albinos with nystagmus as measured by Snellen acuity. Patients may note a qualitative decrease in the severity of their nystagmus.