In the management of infantile esotropia, the MOST critical determinant of sensory outcome (binocular single vision and stereopsis) is:
- A Surgical alignment within the first 6 months of life
- B Achieving and maintaining motor alignment before 2 years of age ✓
- C Correction of anisometropia before surgical alignment
- D Bilateral lateral rectus recession rather than medial rectus resection
Explanation
For infantile (congenital) esotropia, the critical period for achieving binocular single vision (BSV) and stereopsis is within the sensitive period for binocular development. Multiple studies (including the Infantile Esotropia Outcomes Study) show that early surgical correction with motor alignment before 24 months maximises the potential for sensory fusion and stereopsis development. Alignment within 6 months is technically feasible but not routinely required; the key is achieving alignment before the sensitive binocular period closes. Full hypermetropic correction and amblyopia treatment must precede or accompany surgery.
Reference: Khurana Comprehensive Ophthalmology, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.