Our Summary

This research paper compares two surgical techniques for treating strabismus (a condition where the eyes don’t align properly) in children: adjustable suture (AS) and non-adjustable suture (NAS). Researchers looked at various scientific studies to determine which method was more successful and if one led to more repeat surgeries.

The team gathered data from five studies, involving 8744 patients. They found that the adjustable suture method had a significantly higher success rate than the non-adjustable suture method. However, they found no significant difference between the two methods in terms of how often a second surgery was required.

The study also looked specifically at patients with two types of strabismus: exotropia (where one or both eyes turn outward) and esotropia (where one or both eyes turn inward). They found that the success rate of the adjustable suture method was similarly higher in these subgroups.

In simple terms, this study suggests that the adjustable suture method can be more effective in treating strabismus in children, at least in the short-term after surgery. More research is needed to see if this advantage holds true in the long-term.

FAQs

  1. What is the difference between adjustable suture and non-adjustable suture surgical techniques for treating strabismus?
  2. According to this research, which surgical method has a higher success rate in treating strabismus in children?
  3. Does the study indicate if either the adjustable or non-adjustable suture method leads to more repeat surgeries?

Doctor’s Tip

Therefore, a helpful tip a doctor might give to a patient considering strabismus surgery is to inquire about the possibility of using the adjustable suture technique. This method may increase the likelihood of a successful outcome following surgery. Additionally, the patient should be aware that even with a successful surgery, they may still require a second procedure in the future. It is important to discuss all potential outcomes and risks with your doctor before proceeding with surgery.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who are recommended strabismus surgery are those who have not responded to other forms of treatment such as glasses, eye patches, or vision therapy. Patients with a significant misalignment of the eyes, double vision, or difficulty focusing may be candidates for surgery. Additionally, children with strabismus that affects their ability to learn or socialize may also be recommended for surgery. Ultimately, the decision to undergo strabismus surgery is made on a case-by-case basis by an ophthalmologist or pediatric ophthalmologist.

Timeline

Before strabismus surgery, a patient will typically undergo a comprehensive eye examination to determine the severity of the misalignment and the best course of treatment. They may also undergo vision testing and possibly imaging studies to assess the eye muscles and alignment.

During the surgery, the patient will be placed under general anesthesia, and the surgeon will make small incisions in the eye muscles to adjust their position and alignment. In the case of adjustable suture surgery, the surgeon may make temporary adjustments to the sutures to fine-tune the alignment during the procedure.

After surgery, the patient will usually experience some discomfort and redness in the eyes, which can be managed with pain medication and eye drops. The eyes may also be temporarily swollen or bruised. In the days and weeks following surgery, the patient will have follow-up appointments with their surgeon to monitor their progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

Overall, the goal of strabismus surgery is to improve the alignment of the eyes and restore binocular vision, which can have a positive impact on the patient’s quality of life and visual function.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Questions a patient should ask their doctor about strabismus surgery include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with strabismus surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery period after surgery, and what can I expect during this time?
  3. Will I need to undergo any additional procedures or follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  4. How successful is strabismus surgery in correcting the alignment of my eyes?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that could be considered instead of surgery?
  6. What is the difference between adjustable suture and non-adjustable suture techniques, and which method do you recommend for my specific case?
  7. How experienced are you in performing strabismus surgery, and what is your success rate with this procedure?
  8. Are there any specific factors (such as age or type of strabismus) that may affect the outcome of the surgery in my case?
  9. How can I best prepare for the surgery, both physically and mentally?
  10. Are there any specific instructions or precautions I should follow before and after the surgery to ensure the best possible outcome?

Reference

Authors: Liu C, Yan R, Jiang J. Journal: Surv Ophthalmol. 2025 Sep-Oct;70(5):859-867. doi: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2025.03.007. Epub 2025 Mar 29. PMID: 40164392