Our Summary

This study looked at the impact of eye surgery on adults with strabismus, a condition where the eyes do not properly align with each other. The researchers studied 58 patients who underwent the surgery at the Tomas Bata Regional Hospital in Zlín and measured the change in the angle of eye deviation before and after the surgery. They also looked at the patients’ binocular vision, which is the ability to maintain visual focus on an object with both eyes, creating a single visual image.

Before surgery, the average deviation of the eyes in patients with convergent strabismus (where the eyes turn inward) was about +23.46 degrees. After surgery, this reduced to +6.6 degrees. For divergent strabismus (where the eyes turn outward), it was -21.5 degrees before surgery and -1.48 degrees after. For vertical strabismus (up or down deviation), it was +12.5 degrees before and +3.75 degrees after. For paralytic strabismus (due to paralysis of an eye muscle), it was +20 degrees before and +3 degrees after.

Before surgery, nearly 64% of the patients had effectively no binocular vision. After surgery, only 22.4% had no binocular vision. They also found that after surgery, the patients’ ability to superpose images (combine images from the two eyes into one) increased, and some patients even developed stereopsis (depth perception).

The study found that the improvements in binocular vision after surgery seemed to lead to more stable eye alignment in the long term. The researchers concluded that strabismus surgery in adults is not only an effective and safe way to correct eye position for cosmetic reasons, but it can also improve or even restore binocular vision functions.

FAQs

  1. What is strabismus and how does it affect patients’ vision?
  2. How does strabismus surgery impact the deviation of the eyes and binocular vision in patients?
  3. Is strabismus surgery in adults only for cosmetic reasons or does it have functional benefits too?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about strabismus surgery is to follow all post-operative instructions carefully, including attending follow-up appointments, using prescribed eye drops or medications, and avoiding strenuous activities that could strain the eyes. It is also important to be patient during the recovery process, as it may take time for the eyes to fully adjust and for vision to improve. Finally, maintaining good eye health through regular check-ups and following a healthy lifestyle can help ensure the best possible outcome after strabismus surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended strabismus surgery are those with significant eye misalignment that is affecting their vision, causing discomfort or self-consciousness, or impacting their quality of life. This may include patients with congenital strabismus, acquired strabismus, or paralytic strabismus. Adult patients who have not responded to other treatments such as vision therapy or corrective lenses may also be candidates for surgery. Additionally, patients with significant binocular vision impairment may benefit from surgery to improve their ability to focus on objects with both eyes.

Timeline

In summary, before strabismus surgery, patients typically experience misalignment of the eyes, leading to cosmetic concerns and possible vision issues. After surgery, there is a significant reduction in the angle of eye deviation, leading to improved eye alignment. Additionally, there is an improvement in binocular vision, with some patients even developing depth perception. Overall, strabismus surgery is found to be effective in correcting eye position and improving binocular vision functions in adults.

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. What is the success rate of strabismus surgery in adults?
  3. How long is the recovery period after strabismus surgery and what can I expect during that time?
  4. Will I need to wear an eye patch or use eye drops after the surgery?
  5. Will I need to undergo any additional treatments or follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  6. How soon after the surgery will I notice improvements in my eye alignment and vision?
  7. Are there any restrictions or limitations on activities following strabismus surgery?
  8. What are the alternative treatment options for strabismus if surgery is not recommended or successful?
  9. How experienced is the surgeon in performing strabismus surgery and what is their success rate?
  10. Can you provide me with any patient testimonials or references who have undergone strabismus surgery with you?

Reference

Authors: Šneidrová J, Novotný T. Journal: Cesk Slov Oftalmol. 2023 Fall;79(6):296-302. doi: 10.31348/2023/32. PMID: 38086701