Investigation of factors associated with the success of adult strabismus surgery from the patient's perspective

PURPOSE To explore factors that influence the success of adult strabismus surgery based on health related quality of life (HRQOL) criteria. METHODS The HRQOL aspect of strabismus surgery was assessed using the Adult Strabismus 20 (AS-20) questionnaire. Adult patients (16 years of age) undergoing strabismus surgery between 2014 and 2016 were identified using a treatment register. Pre- and postoperative AS-20 scores were calculated. HRQOL surgical success was defined as a pre- to postoperative change in AS-20 score exceeding previously published 95% limits of agreement. Any relationship between demographic factors (sex, age, and socioeconomic status), presence or absence of diplopia, type and magnitude of deviation, and change in deviation size with HRQOL success was investigated. RESULTS A total of 87 patients were included (mean age, 47 years; 53% female). Nondiplopic patients showed significantly lower pre- and postoperative scores on the AS-20 psychosocial subscale compared to diplopic patients. Of 87 surgeries, 54 (62%) were classified as successful based on HRQOL criteria. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed only lower socioeconomic status to be significantly associated with a higher rate of HRQOL success (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS Strabismic patients with a lower socioeconomic status are more likely to achieve HRQOL success following surgery. We also show that nondiplopic patients have more psychosocial concerns than those with diplopia and that this disparity persists even after strabismus surgery.