Our Summary

This research paper looks at the connection between certain types of eye surgery and the development of strabismus, a condition where the eyes don’t align properly. The authors analyzed data from 344 patients who had surgery for a detached retina. They found that around 14% of these patients developed strabismus six weeks after their surgery, with horizontal misalignment being the most common type. The likelihood of developing strabismus was higher in patients who had to repeat the surgery or who had implants. However, most of these cases could be managed without further surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is the connection between eye surgery and the development of strabismus?
  2. What percentage of patients developed strabismus after surgery for a detached retina according to the study?
  3. Is it more likely for a patient to develop strabismus if they had to repeat the surgery or had implants?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about scleral buckle surgery is to follow all post-operative instructions carefully, including taking prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, and avoiding strenuous activities that could put strain on the eyes. It’s also important to report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who have a retinal detachment are typically recommended scleral buckle surgery. This type of surgery involves placing a silicone band around the eye to push the retina back into place and hold it in position while it heals. Scleral buckle surgery is often recommended for patients with a retinal detachment because it has been shown to have a high success rate in reattaching the retina and preventing further vision loss.

Other types of patients who may be recommended scleral buckle surgery include those with a history of retinal detachment in the other eye, patients with certain types of retinal tears or holes, and patients with certain risk factors for retinal detachment such as severe nearsightedness or a family history of retinal detachment.

Overall, scleral buckle surgery is a common and effective treatment for retinal detachment and is typically recommended for patients who are at risk for vision loss due to a detached retina.

Timeline

Before scleral buckle surgery:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with a retinal detachment, often experiencing symptoms such as sudden flashes of light, floaters in vision, or a curtain-like shadow over their vision.
  2. Patient undergoes a thorough eye examination and imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the detachment.
  3. Patient may undergo pre-operative tests and evaluations to ensure they are a suitable candidate for scleral buckle surgery.
  4. Patient may be advised to stop taking certain medications or make lifestyle changes in preparation for surgery.

After scleral buckle surgery:

  1. Patient may experience discomfort, redness, and swelling in the eye immediately after surgery.
  2. Patient will be prescribed eye drops or medications to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
  3. Patient will be advised to avoid strenuous activities and to keep the eye shielded for protection.
  4. Patient will have follow-up appointments with their surgeon to monitor healing progress and address any concerns.
  5. Patient may experience changes in vision as the eye heals, which may improve over time.
  6. Patient will be instructed on post-operative care, including how to properly clean and care for the eye.
  7. Patient may need to undergo additional procedures or treatments if complications arise, such as infection or recurrent detachment.

Overall, the timeline of a patient’s experience before and after scleral buckle surgery involves thorough evaluation and preparation before surgery, followed by a period of healing and recovery with close monitoring by medical professionals to ensure the best possible outcome.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the purpose of scleral buckle surgery?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery period and what can I expect during the recovery process?
  4. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative care instructions?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider?
  6. How successful is scleral buckle surgery in treating a detached retina?
  7. How long will the effects of the surgery last?
  8. Will I need to undergo any additional procedures or treatments in the future?
  9. What are the chances of developing complications such as strabismus after the surgery?
  10. How can strabismus be managed if it does occur after scleral buckle surgery?

Reference

Authors: Ganekal S, Nagarajappa A. Journal: Strabismus. 2016;24(1):16-20. doi: 10.3109/09273972.2015.1130066. Epub 2016 Mar 8. PMID: 26953560