To investigate changes in corneal keratometry and the anterior chamber in intermittent exotropia after lateral rectus recession using Pentacam.

Corneal keratometry, anterior chamber depth, and anterior chamber volumes were evaluated preoperatively and at 1 week, 1 month, and 2 months postoperatively using Pentacam in 20 patients (40 eyes) who underwent lateral rectus muscle recession. The IOP was measured before and after lateral rectus muscle detachment during the surgery. According to the change in IOP, the patients were divided into 2 groups; Group 1 (ΔIOP < 3 mm Hg) and Group 2 (ΔIOP ≥ 3 mm Hg), and the results of the 2 groups were compared.

The horizontal keratometry and anterior chamber volumes significantly decreased 1 week postoperatively, although there were no significant differences in vertical keratometry, mean keratometry, or anterior chamber depth. Additionally, there were no significant changes in any measurement parameters at 1 month or 2 months postoperatively. In Group 2, horizontal keratometry, mean keratometry, and anterior chamber volumes showed significant reduction compared with those in Group 1. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups at 1 month postoperatively.

Postoperative corneal keratometry and anterior chamber volumes did not change significantly compared to preoperative values in intermittent exotropia after performing lateral rectus muscle recession. However, the higher the ocular muscle tension, the greater were the changes in corneal astigmatism and anterior volumes.