Our Summary

This research paper is about a study that evaluated a specific surgical technique for strabismus (crossed or misaligned eyes). The technique is called the modified fornix-based method and it’s a minimal incision surgery. The study reviewed medical records of patients who underwent this surgery from 2007 to 2012, looking specifically at the size of the surgical wound in relation to the number of stitches used.

Out of 153 patients, 138 were included in the study, with a total of 294 surgeries performed. In the majority of these surgeries, only one stitch was needed to close the incision. The patients ranged in age from 2 to 80 years, and about a quarter of them had undergone strabismus surgery before.

Three months after surgery, most patients had significantly improved eye alignment, with no complications related to the surgical wound. The study concludes that this technique is an effective and safe option for strabismus surgery, regardless of the patient’s age, previous surgery history, or use of topical anesthesia (numbing medicine applied directly to the area).

FAQs

  1. What is the modified fornix-based method for strabismus surgery?
  2. What were the results of the study evaluating the modified fornix-based method for strabismus surgery?
  3. Is the modified fornix-based method for strabismus surgery considered safe and effective for all age groups and previous surgery histories?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip that a doctor might tell a patient about strabismus surgery using the modified fornix-based method is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully. This may include using prescribed eye drops, avoiding rubbing or touching the eyes, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor healing and alignment. It’s important to communicate any concerns or symptoms to your doctor promptly to ensure the best possible outcome.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who are recommended for strabismus surgery are those who have persistent misalignment of the eyes that cannot be corrected with non-surgical methods such as glasses, eye exercises, or eye patches. These patients may experience double vision, headaches, difficulty with depth perception, or social and emotional challenges due to their eye misalignment.

In this study, patients of various ages and with different surgical histories were included, showing that strabismus surgery can be recommended for a wide range of patients. It is important for patients to undergo a comprehensive eye examination and consultation with an ophthalmologist to determine if surgery is the best treatment option for their specific case.

Timeline

Before surgery:

  1. Patient consults with an ophthalmologist to discuss treatment options for strabismus.
  2. Patient undergoes a thorough eye examination to determine the severity of the misalignment.
  3. Ophthalmologist recommends surgery as the best treatment option.
  4. Patient schedules surgery and receives pre-operative instructions.

After surgery:

  1. Patient arrives at the surgical center and is prepped for surgery.
  2. Surgery is performed using the modified fornix-based method, with minimal incision and one stitch closure.
  3. Patient wakes up from anesthesia and is monitored for any immediate post-operative complications.
  4. Patient is discharged with post-operative care instructions, including eye drops and follow-up appointments.
  5. Three months post-surgery, patient returns for a follow-up appointment to assess eye alignment and overall outcomes.
  6. Patient experiences improved eye alignment and no complications related to the surgical wound.
  7. Patient continues with regular eye exams to monitor long-term outcomes of the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the success rate of the modified fornix-based method for strabismus surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery time after this surgery?
  3. Are there any potential complications or risks associated with this surgical technique?
  4. Will I need to wear an eye patch or do any post-operative care at home?
  5. How soon after surgery can I expect to see improvement in my eye alignment?
  6. Will I need to follow up with the surgeon for any post-operative appointments?
  7. Are there any specific restrictions or limitations on activities following this surgery?
  8. How many surgeries of this type have you performed, and what is your experience with this technique?
  9. Can you explain the difference between traditional strabismus surgery and the modified fornix-based method?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options for my strabismus condition?

Reference

Authors: Pérez-Flores I. Journal: Arch Soc Esp Oftalmol. 2016 Jul;91(7):327-32. doi: 10.1016/j.oftal.2015.12.005. Epub 2016 Jan 15. PMID: 26783079