Our Summary

This research paper discusses two cases of patients who had eye muscle surgery after undergoing a procedure to restore nerve function to their corneas due to neurotrophic keratopathy, a disease that impairs corneal sensation. The eye muscle surgery in these cases can be quite complex due to the potential movement issues caused by the underlying brain or eye socket processes. The paper specifically looks at how to manage cuts made in the conjunctiva (the clear tissue covering the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids) during this eye muscle surgery in these patients.

FAQs

  1. What is strabismus surgery and when is it required following corneal neurotization for neurotrophic keratopathy?
  2. What are the unique challenges faced during strabismus surgery due to underlying neurologic or orbital processes?
  3. How is the management of conjunctival incisions for strabismus surgery carried out in patients with neurotrophic keratopathy?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about strabismus surgery is to follow all post-operative care instructions closely, including any prescribed eye drops or medications. It is important to attend all follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and optimal results. Additionally, it is important to communicate any concerns or changes in vision to your doctor promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended strabismus surgery may include:

  • Patients with strabismus (misalignment of the eyes) that is causing double vision, eye strain, or difficulty with depth perception
  • Patients with strabismus that is affecting their appearance or self-esteem
  • Patients with strabismus that is not improving with other treatments such as glasses, vision therapy, or eye patches
  • Patients with strabismus that is causing amblyopia (lazy eye)
  • Patients with strabismus that is due to a neurological or orbital condition that cannot be corrected with other treatments

It is important for patients considering strabismus surgery to undergo a comprehensive eye examination and evaluation by an ophthalmologist or strabismus specialist to determine if they are a suitable candidate for surgery.

Timeline

Before Strabismus Surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes initial consultation with an ophthalmologist to discuss the need for strabismus surgery.
  2. Preoperative testing and evaluation are conducted to determine the extent of the strabismus and to assess overall eye health.
  3. Patient may undergo vision therapy or other non-surgical treatments to improve eye alignment.
  4. Surgical consent is obtained and the patient is informed about the risks and benefits of the procedure.

After Strabismus Surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes strabismus surgery, which typically involves tightening or loosening the eye muscles to improve alignment.
  2. Patient may experience some discomfort, swelling, and redness in the eyes following surgery.
  3. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments to the surgical outcome.
  4. Vision therapy or other postoperative treatments may be recommended to help the eyes work together effectively.
  5. Patient may experience improved eye alignment and visual function, leading to a better quality of life.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with strabismus surgery following corneal neurotization?

  2. How will the strabismus surgery affect my recovery from the corneal neurotization procedure?

  3. Will I need additional follow-up appointments or treatments after the strabismus surgery?

  4. How will the strabismus surgery improve my visual function and overall quality of life?

  5. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before proceeding with strabismus surgery?

  6. What is the success rate of strabismus surgery in patients who have undergone corneal neurotization?

  7. How long is the recovery period expected to be following the strabismus surgery?

  8. Will I need to wear an eye patch or use any special eye drops after the surgery?

  9. How experienced are you in performing strabismus surgery on patients who have undergone corneal neurotization?

  10. Can you provide me with any additional resources or information to help me better understand the procedure and what to expect?

Reference

Authors: Peragallo JH, Weil NC, Behshad S. Journal: J AAPOS. 2021 Feb;25(1):40-43. doi: 10.1016/j.jaapos.2020.09.002. Epub 2020 Dec 7. PMID: 33301874