Our Summary

Strabismus is a condition where the eyes do not properly align with each other when looking at an object. In a study of 15 patients with strabismus, scientists found that a certain surgical technique was effective in treating the condition. This technique involved making an incision near the limbus (the border between the white and colored parts of the eye) and then measuring the thickness of the conjunctiva and Tenon’s capsule (parts of the eye) both before and one year after the surgery. The researchers found that the thickness of these eye components had changed after surgery and that these changes were linked to how much the surgery corrected the alignment of the patients’ eyes. Thus, measuring the thickness of these parts of the eye before surgery could provide useful information for treating patients with strabismus.

FAQs

  1. What is strabismus and how can it be treated?
  2. What surgical technique was found effective in treating strabismus in the study?
  3. How does measuring the thickness of the conjunctiva and Tenon’s capsule before surgery help in the treatment of strabismus?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may advise a patient undergoing strabismus surgery to follow up with regular eye exams and vision therapy to ensure the best possible outcome. They may also recommend wearing an eye patch or using special glasses to help improve eye alignment and strengthen eye muscles post-surgery. It’s important for patients to follow their doctor’s recommendations closely and to communicate any concerns or changes in vision to their healthcare provider.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for strabismus surgery are those who have not responded well to other treatments such as glasses, vision therapy, or eye patches. The surgery is usually recommended for patients who have significant misalignment of the eyes that is affecting their vision, causing double vision, or leading to social or emotional issues. Children with strabismus may also be recommended for surgery if the condition is affecting their development or ability to learn.

In some cases, adults with longstanding strabismus may also be recommended for surgery if the misalignment is causing discomfort or difficulty with daily activities. The decision to undergo strabismus surgery is typically made in consultation with an ophthalmologist who specializes in treating eye alignment disorders. The surgeon will evaluate the patient’s eye alignment, vision, and overall eye health to determine if surgery is the best course of action.

Timeline

Before strabismus surgery:

  1. Patient notices misalignment of the eyes and seeks consultation with an ophthalmologist.
  2. Ophthalmologist performs a comprehensive eye examination to diagnose the condition and determine the appropriate treatment plan.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations, which may include measuring the thickness of the conjunctiva and Tenon’s capsule.
  4. Surgical date is scheduled and patient receives instructions on pre-operative care and what to expect during and after the surgery.

After strabismus surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes strabismus surgery, where the surgeon makes an incision near the limbus and corrects the alignment of the eyes.
  2. Patient is monitored closely post-operatively for any complications or discomfort.
  3. Patient may experience temporary swelling, redness, or discomfort in the eye after surgery.
  4. Over the following weeks and months, the eyes gradually align and the patient’s vision improves.
  5. One year after surgery, the patient undergoes a follow-up evaluation, which includes measuring the thickness of the conjunctiva and Tenon’s capsule to assess the success of the surgery in correcting the alignment of the eyes.
  6. The patient may require further follow-up appointments or treatments to ensure the long-term success of the surgery.

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 eye alignment?

  3. What is the recovery process like after strabismus surgery?

  4. How long will it take for my eyes to fully heal and for the results of the surgery to be apparent?

  5. Are there any alternative treatments or non-surgical options for treating strabismus?

  6. Will I need to wear glasses or use any other visual aids after the surgery?

  7. How many strabismus surgeries have you performed, and what is your success rate?

  8. How long will the effects of strabismus surgery last?

  9. Can strabismus surgery be performed on both eyes at the same time?

  10. Are there any specific pre-operative or post-operative instructions I should follow to ensure the best outcome from the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Miyata M, Suda K, Uji A, Hata M, Oishi A, Nakano E, Yamamoto A, Nakao S, Ohtsuki H, Tsujikawa A. Journal: Sci Rep. 2019 Feb 21;9(1):2523. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-39361-5. PMID: 30792463