Our Summary

This research paper looks at the effect of cataract surgery on strabismus, a condition where the eyes do not properly align with each other, in children. The researchers reviewed the medical records of children who had cataract surgery and were followed up for at least a year.

The study included 77 children, most of whom had cataracts present from birth. Some children had cataracts in both eyes, and some in just one eye. Before surgery, about 20% of these children had strabismus. Half of the children with strabismus had their eyes turn inwards (esotropia), and the other half had their eyes turn outwards (exotropia).

The study found that a quarter of the children who had eye misalignment before surgery did not have this problem for at least a year after surgery. However, almost half of the children who did not have eye misalignment before surgery developed strabismus after surgery.

The likelihood of developing strabismus after surgery was particularly high (over 90%) in children who had the operation before they were a year old and had cataracts in just one eye. However, this rate was lower (around 38%) for those who had the surgery after they were a year old.

In summary, the study found that strabismus is common in children with cataracts. While cataract surgery can correct pre-existing strabismus, it can also cause new cases of strabismus, especially in very young children with a cataract in one eye. The researchers suggest that careful evaluation and long-term follow-up after cataract surgery is important to ensure the best possible visual outcomes for the child.

FAQs

  1. Does cataract surgery have an effect on strabismus in children?
  2. Is there a higher chance of developing strabismus after cataract surgery if the operation is done before the child is a year old?
  3. Can cataract surgery correct pre-existing strabismus?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient considering strabismus surgery that while the procedure can correct pre-existing eye misalignment, there is a risk of developing new cases of strabismus, especially in very young children with cataracts in just one eye. It is important to have careful evaluation and long-term follow-up after surgery to ensure the best visual outcomes for the child.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended strabismus surgery are those who have persistent eye misalignment that cannot be corrected with other treatments such as glasses, vision therapy, or eye patches. In the case of children with cataracts, those who have pre-existing strabismus or are at risk of developing strabismus after cataract surgery may be recommended for strabismus surgery to improve their visual outcomes. It is important for these patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by an ophthalmologist or strabismus specialist to determine if surgery is the best course of action for their specific situation.

Timeline

Overall, the timeline of what a patient experiences before and after strabismus surgery can vary, but typically follows this pattern:

Before surgery:

  • Patient is diagnosed with strabismus, which may be present from birth or develop later in life.
  • Patient may experience double vision, eye strain, headaches, or difficulty with depth perception.
  • Patient undergoes a comprehensive eye exam to determine the severity of the strabismus and whether surgery is necessary.
  • Patient may undergo vision therapy or use special glasses or contact lenses to help manage the condition before surgery.

After surgery:

  • Patient undergoes strabismus surgery, which may involve tightening or loosening eye muscles to help align the eyes.
  • Patient may experience temporary discomfort, redness, or swelling in the eyes after surgery.
  • Patient may need to wear an eye patch or use eye drops to aid in the healing process.
  • Patient may need to attend follow-up appointments with their eye doctor to monitor their progress and ensure proper healing.
  • Patient may need to undergo vision therapy or wear special glasses or contact lenses after surgery to help maintain proper eye alignment.

Overall, the goal of strabismus surgery is to improve eye alignment and visual function for the patient. While the results of the surgery can vary, many patients experience improved eye alignment and reduced symptoms of strabismus after undergoing the procedure.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some 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 successful is strabismus surgery in correcting eye misalignment?
  3. What is the recovery process like after strabismus surgery?
  4. Will I need to wear glasses or use eye patches after surgery?
  5. How soon after surgery will I be able to return to normal daily activities?
  6. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies for strabismus that I should consider?
  7. Will I need follow-up appointments after surgery, and if so, how frequently?
  8. How long will the effects of strabismus surgery last?
  9. Are there any specific pre-operative or post-operative instructions I should follow to ensure the best outcome?
  10. Can you provide me with information on the experience and success rates of your previous patients who have undergone strabismus surgery?

Reference

Authors: Genç Bozhöyük G, Rustamlı N, Bingöl Kızıltunç P, Atilla H. Journal: Turk J Ophthalmol. 2025 Feb 27;55(1):24-28. doi: 10.4274/tjo.galenos.2025.63060. PMID: 40013491