Our Summary

This research paper discusses a study on the effects of strabismus surgery on adults who undergo the procedure for psychosocial reasons. Strabismus is a condition where the eyes do not properly align with each other, and surgery aims to straighten the eyes, reducing psychosocial symptoms and improving the overall quality of life. The study conducted interviews with adults who had undergone the surgery, looking at their experiences and outcomes after the operation. The findings showed that, on average, about a year after surgery, patients reported a variety of improvements, including better vision, improved task performance, less physical symptoms, and increased confidence and emotional wellbeing. However, some patients also reported a worsening of some physical symptoms. The study concludes that strabismus surgery can have a range of positive impacts on adult patients, beyond the psychosocial improvements it is typically aimed at.

FAQs

  1. What is strabismus and what does the surgery aim to achieve?
  2. What were the findings of the study on the effects of strabismus surgery on adults?
  3. Besides psychosocial improvements, what other positive impacts does strabismus surgery have on adult patients?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about strabismus surgery is to have realistic expectations about the outcomes and potential risks involved. It is important to understand that while the surgery can improve the alignment of the eyes and may lead to positive changes in vision and overall quality of life, there is also a possibility of complications or the need for additional surgeries in some cases. Patients should discuss their concerns and goals with their doctor before proceeding with the surgery to ensure they have a clear understanding of what to expect. Additionally, following post-operative instructions and attending follow-up appointments are crucial for monitoring progress and addressing any issues that may arise.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for strabismus surgery include those with:

  1. Persistent strabismus that is not improving with other treatments such as glasses, vision therapy, or eye exercises.
  2. Functional problems such as double vision, difficulty reading or performing tasks that require both eyes to work together, or eye strain.
  3. Cosmetic concerns, where the misalignment of the eyes is causing self-consciousness or affecting self-esteem.
  4. Psychosocial issues such as social anxiety, depression, or low self-confidence related to the appearance of the eyes.
  5. Patients with neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy, stroke, or head trauma that have resulted in strabismus.
  6. Patients with medical conditions such as thyroid eye disease or orbital fractures that have caused strabismus.

It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by an ophthalmologist or strabismus specialist to determine if they are a suitable candidate for surgery and to discuss the potential risks and benefits of the procedure.

Timeline

Before strabismus surgery, a patient may experience symptoms such as double vision, difficulty focusing, eye strain, headaches, and self-consciousness about the appearance of their eyes. They may have tried non-surgical treatments such as eye exercises, prisms, or wearing glasses or contact lenses, but these may not have been effective in aligning their eyes.

After undergoing strabismus surgery, the patient will typically experience some discomfort and swelling in the eye area for a few days. They will need to follow post-operative care instructions, such as using prescribed eye drops, wearing an eye patch, and avoiding strenuous activities. Over the following weeks and months, the patient will attend follow-up appointments with their ophthalmologist to monitor their progress and ensure that the eyes are properly aligning.

As time passes, the patient may notice improvements in their vision, eye alignment, and overall quality of life. They may feel more confident in social situations, experience fewer physical symptoms related to their strabismus, and be able to perform tasks more easily. However, it is important to note that the full effects of strabismus surgery may not be immediately apparent, and some patients may require additional procedures or treatments to achieve the desired results.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  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 wear a patch or use eye drops after the surgery, and for how long?
  4. How successful is strabismus surgery in correcting the alignment of the eyes?
  5. Will I need to undergo any additional procedures or follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  6. How soon after the surgery will I be able to resume my normal activities, such as driving or going back to work?
  7. Are there any long-term effects or considerations I should be aware of after strabismus surgery?
  8. Will I need to undergo any vision therapy or rehabilitation after the surgery to help with eye coordination?
  9. How experienced are you in performing strabismus surgery, and what is your success rate with this procedure?
  10. Are there any alternative treatments or options available for my strabismus condition, besides surgery?

Reference

Authors: Arblaster GE, Davis H, Buckley D, Barnes S. Journal: Eye (Lond). 2024 Oct;38(15):2926-2931. doi: 10.1038/s41433-024-03189-9. Epub 2024 Jun 21. PMID: 38907014