In a small series, 48 patients having intermittent exotropia were initially examined for size and nature of the deviation. After an interval of 6 to 22 years of observation and nonsurgical treatment, a similar survey was performed on the same patients. From the comparative initial and final findings the following may be concluded: (1) All intermittent exotropias do not deteriorate with the passage of time. (2) Some intermittent exotropias improve both in the quantative and qualitative aspect of the deviation. (3) Surgical interference may be deferred in the small and moderate degrees of intermittent exotropia unless deterioration becomes evident.
This group of patients illustrates one variety of the spectrum of intermittent exotropes and the nonprogressive nature of the disorder in this subgroup. Comments are directed at including the sensory aspect of the deviation in the classifications, for it is this phase of the defect which often dictates treatment.