Our Summary

This research paper looked at the number of instances of infection complications following strabismus surgery, which is a procedure to correct crossed or misaligned eyes. Out of 151,011 surgeries performed in the US, 167 cases (0.111%) had complications such as endophthalmitis (an inflammation of the inner eye), orbital cellulitis (an infection of the soft tissue of the eye socket), preseptal cellulitis (an infection of the eyelid and surrounding skin), and postoperative infection. Specifically, the rate of postoperative endophthalmitis, a severe eye infection, was found to be about 1 in every 13,700 surgeries (0.007%).

FAQs

  1. What is the percentage of infectious complications following strabismus surgery based on the study?
  2. How often does postoperative endophthalmitis occur after strabismus surgery?
  3. How many cases of strabismus surgery were studied in US claims databases for this research?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may advise a patient undergoing strabismus surgery to follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions carefully to minimize the risk of infection. This includes proper hygiene, avoiding touching or rubbing the eyes, and taking prescribed antibiotics as directed. It is also important to attend all follow-up appointments to monitor for any signs of infection and address any concerns promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended strabismus surgery are those who have a misalignment of the eyes that cannot be corrected with other treatments such as glasses, vision therapy, or eye patches. Strabismus surgery may be recommended for patients with constant or frequent eye misalignment, double vision, or difficulty focusing. Additionally, patients with conditions such as amblyopia (lazy eye), diplopia (double vision), or strabismus-related headaches may also be candidates for strabismus surgery. It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by an ophthalmologist to determine if strabismus surgery is the best course of treatment for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before strabismus surgery:

  • Patient undergoes a thorough eye examination and consultation with an ophthalmologist to determine the need for surgery
  • Preoperative tests such as eye measurements and scans may be conducted
  • Patient may need to stop certain medications or follow a specific diet before surgery
  • Patient receives instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including fasting before the procedure

After strabismus surgery:

  • Patient may experience discomfort, redness, and swelling in the eye immediately after surgery
  • Patient may be prescribed eye drops or medications to prevent infection and reduce inflammation
  • Follow-up appointments with the ophthalmologist are scheduled to monitor healing and progress
  • Patient may need to wear an eye patch or protective shield for a few days after surgery
  • Vision may be blurry or double temporarily as the eyes adjust to the surgery
  • Patient is advised to avoid strenuous activities and to rest and recover at home for a few days
  • Patient may need to undergo vision therapy or follow-up surgeries to optimize eye alignment and function

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after strabismus surgery varies depending on individual circumstances and the specifics of the surgery. It is important for patients to follow their ophthalmologist’s instructions closely to ensure a successful outcome.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with strabismus surgery?
  2. How successful is strabismus surgery in correcting my condition?
  3. What is the recovery process like after strabismus surgery?
  4. Will I need to wear an eye patch or have any restrictions after surgery?
  5. How long will it take for my eyes to align properly after surgery?
  6. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that could be considered instead of surgery?
  7. How experienced are you in performing strabismus surgery?
  8. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  9. How many strabismus surgeries have you performed in the past, and what is your success rate?
  10. Are there any specific pre-operative or post-operative instructions I should follow for optimal results?

Reference

Authors: Heo H, Ryu WY, Chandramohan A, Lambert SR. Journal: J AAPOS. 2022 Jun;26(3):158-160. doi: 10.1016/j.jaapos.2022.01.006. Epub 2022 Apr 15. PMID: 35436601