Botulinum toxin in infantile estropia: long-term results

Purpose: To evaluate long term results of botulinum toxin in infantile esotropia. Methods: Nineteen infants between 6 and 13 months of age were treated with botulinum toxin injected into the medial recti. The amount of deviation, the different symptoms of infantile esotropia, and the need for surgery were studied. Results: Esotropia reappears frequently with time. Dissociated vertical deviation and manifest/ latent nystagmus are only partially improved. Surgery is usually mandatory over the long term. Conclusion: Despite some good results, a single botulinum toxin injection is less effective than incisional surgery in treating the different symptoms of infantile esotropia.