[Physiological or sensorial approach to the early treatment of strabismus (author's transl)]

Results obtained in 142 cases out of a total of 1.460 patients with non-accommodative strabismus treated and follow-up for 15 years are analyzed. Basic treatment was sensorial, started at a very early stage, supplemented by surgical correction of the mechanical defect. Complete recovery was obtained in 76 p.cent of cases, good vision with a very small angle (2-4 dpt.) microtropia in 17 p.cent, and a residual angle of 8-15 dpt. ni 7 p.cent. Similar results were obtained in small angle and congenital strabismus cases: following orthoptic therapy alone in 25.7 p. cent of patients, and after a single operation in 69.2 p.cent. No case of secondary divergence occurred and results remained stable during the 15 year period due to the fusion lock. It is the only treatment of surgical undercorrections and of the rare recurrences, and probably a causal treatment of spasms. Results suggest that sensorial physiological treatment should be basic treatment; A.R.C. should become as obsolete as excentric fixation amblyopia; this treatment emphasizes the crucial role of the orthoptist who really cures the strabismus. It is the "historical transition" of Jampolsky.