Improved Visual Acuity in Patients with Congenital Nystagmus Following Anderson-Kestenbaum Procedures

Stephanie C Norman, BOrth&OphthSc
Julie F Green, DipAppSc(Orth) PhD
James E Elder, MBBS FRANZCO FRACS
Melbourne Children’s Eye Clinic, Parkville, Australia

This retrospective study conducted within a large paediatric clinical practice identified eleven patients who were operated on during the period of 1996-2011, using the Anderson-Kestenbaum procedure. These patients, aged 4 to 17 years, were operated on by the same surgeon. Visual acuity was measured using age-appropriate linear or single optotypes and results were compared pre- and post-operatively.

Observations of head posture by ophthalmologist, orthoptist and parent were recorded pre- and post-operatively. Results showed the Anderson-Kestenbaum procedure reduced the compensatory head posture and improved visual acuity in 75% of patients, with a mean improvement in visual acuity of 3.75 letters. Patients showed minimal residual head posture. This study is limited by its retrospective nature and small subject numbers.