Our Summary

This study looks at the outcomes of two different types of eye muscle surgery (augmented Hummelsheim and X-type transpositions) used to correct severe cases of strabismus, a condition in which the eyes do not properly align with each other when looking at an object. The research involved reviewing the medical records of 40 patients who had undergone one of these surgeries.

The results showed that after surgery, the average alignment of the patients’ eyes had significantly improved. Additionally, over 80% of the patients saw an improvement in their range of vision and/or the centering of their vision. The study also found that patients who had a small overcorrection (their eyes were aligned slightly too far in the opposite direction) on the third day after surgery were more likely to have a better result two months after surgery.

The research indicates that the augmented Hummelsheim procedure is more effective for cases of strabismus where the eyes turn inwards, while the X-type transposition surgery works well for cases where the eyes turn outwards or result from severe damage to a particular eye muscle.

The study concludes that both surgical techniques offer effective treatment options for severe strabismus and can often improve the centering of vision and potentially provide a wider field of vision.

FAQs

  1. What are the two types of eye muscle surgery studied for correcting severe cases of strabismus?
  2. How does the augmented Hummelsheim procedure differ from the X-type transposition surgery in treating cases of strabismus?
  3. What improvements were observed in patients after undergoing either of the two surgical techniques for severe strabismus?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about strabismus surgery is to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including using any prescribed eye drops or medications, attending follow-up appointments, and avoiding strenuous activities that could impact the healing process. It is also important to be patient with the recovery process and give the eyes time to adjust and heal properly. If any concerns or complications arise, it is important to contact your doctor immediately for further guidance.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended strabismus surgery are those with severe cases of strabismus where other non-surgical treatments have not been successful in improving the alignment of the eyes. These patients may experience double vision, poor depth perception, and difficulty focusing on objects. Additionally, patients with strabismus that is causing significant functional or cosmetic issues may also be recommended for surgery. It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by an ophthalmologist or strabismus specialist to determine if surgery is the best course of treatment for their specific case.

Timeline

Before strabismus surgery, a patient typically undergoes a comprehensive eye examination to determine the severity of their condition and assess their overall eye health. The patient may also undergo various vision tests to determine the extent of the misalignment of their eyes.

After the decision is made to proceed with surgery, the patient will meet with the surgeon to discuss the procedure, potential risks, and expected outcomes. The patient may also undergo pre-operative testing to ensure they are in good health for surgery.

On the day of the surgery, the patient will be given anesthesia to numb the eye area and may be given a sedative to help them relax during the procedure. The surgeon will make small incisions in the eye muscles and adjust the muscles to improve the alignment of the eyes.

After strabismus surgery, the patient may experience some discomfort, redness, or swelling in the eye area. The patient will be prescribed eye drops or ointment to help with healing and prevent infection. The patient may also be advised to wear an eye patch or special glasses to protect the eyes during the healing process.

In the weeks following surgery, the patient will have follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor their progress and ensure that the eyes are healing properly. The patient may also undergo vision therapy to help strengthen the eye muscles and improve coordination between the eyes.

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after strabismus surgery involves careful evaluation, surgical intervention, and post-operative care to help improve the alignment of the eyes and enhance the patient’s vision.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about strabismus surgery include:

  1. What are the risks and potential complications associated with strabismus surgery?
  2. What is the success rate of the specific type of surgery being recommended for my case of strabismus?
  3. How long is the recovery period after strabismus surgery?
  4. Will I need to wear an eye patch or perform any specific exercises after surgery?
  5. What are the potential long-term effects of strabismus surgery?
  6. Will I need to undergo additional surgeries or treatments in the future?
  7. How soon after surgery will I see an improvement in the alignment of my eyes?
  8. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that I should consider before opting for surgery?
  9. How experienced are you in performing strabismus surgery, and what is your success rate?
  10. Can you provide me with any before and after photos or testimonials from previous patients who have undergone strabismus surgery with you?

Reference

Authors: Gokoffski KK, Lifton J, Xu BY, Patel VR. Journal: J Neuroophthalmol. 2021 Dec 1;41(4):e806-e814. doi: 10.1097/WNO.0000000000001372. PMID: 34788250