Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of minimally invasive strabismus surgery (MISS) on tear film function and ocular surface status in patients with strabismus. METHODS: We respectively analyzed the clinical data from 173 cases of strabismus patients treated at Xi'an First Hospital from September 2021 to March 2024. The patients were classified into a minimally invasive group (n=91, undergoing MISS) and a conventional group (n=82, undergoing traditional strabismus correction) according to their treatment plans. The general data, treatment efficacy, tear film function, ocular surface status, perioperative indicators, pain, and visual recovery were compared between the two groups. Factors affecting the patients' postoperative recovery were further analyzed according to the treatment effects. RESULTS: The clinical efficacy of the minimally invasive group (95.6%) was significantly higher than the conventional group (68.3%). Visual recovery of the minimally invasive group was also significantly better than the conventional group (P<0.05). The minimally invasive group showed superior tear film function and ocular surface health (P<0.05). The visual analog scale (VAS) scores for pain were significantly lower in the minimally invasive group at different postoperative time points (all P<0.05). Intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower in the minimally invasive group (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in surgical time (P>0.05). Logistics analysis identified the tear secretion basal test (Slt), corneal fluorescein staining score (CFS), and treatment regimen as independent factors influencing postoperative recovery status. CONCLUSION: MISS effectively improves clinical outcomes in strabismus patients, preserves tear film function and ocular surface health, and promotes visual recovery. The Slt, CFS, and treatment regimen are independent factors affecting postoperative recovery in strabismus patients.