Our Summary

This research paper is about a study examining the effects of eye surgery on children with Angelman syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects the nervous system and causes physical and learning disabilities. The surgery performed on the children is called strabismus surgery, which corrects misaligned eyes.

The study looked at the medical records of 17 children with Angelman syndrome who had this surgery. The records included information about their genes, gender, age at the time of surgery, eye health, the type of surgery, its results, and how their movement skills changed before and after the surgery.

The study found that most of the children had a type of eye condition called astigmatism. After the surgery, all of the children had a significant improvement in the alignment of their eyes, with all children who had inward-turning eyes and about 59% of those with outward-turning eyes achieving normal eye alignment.

The researchers noticed that the children’s ability to move also improved after the surgery, especially walking and fine motor tasks, such as using their hands and fingers. They also found that the children’s movement skills before and after the surgery were affected by their eye health, including astigmatism, difference in vision between the two eyes, and the degree of eye misalignment.

In conclusion, the researchers suggest that standard eye alignment surgery can be successfully applied to children with Angelman syndrome who have outward-turning eyes. They also propose that improving eye alignment can enhance movement skills in children with Angelman syndrome who have misaligned eyes.

FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of the strabismus surgery performed on children with Angelman syndrome?
  2. What improvements were noticed in the children after the strabismus surgery?
  3. How did the researchers conclude that standard eye alignment surgery can be successfully applied to children with Angelman syndrome?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about strabismus surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and optimal results. This may include using prescribed eye drops, wearing an eye patch as directed, and attending follow-up appointments with the doctor. It is also important to communicate any concerns or changes in vision to the doctor promptly.

Suitable For

Strabismus surgery is typically recommended for patients who have misaligned eyes, also known as strabismus. This condition can occur in both children and adults and can be caused by various factors such as muscle imbalance, neurological conditions, or genetic disorders like Angelman syndrome.

In the case of children with Angelman syndrome, who often have eye alignment issues, strabismus surgery may be recommended to correct the misalignment and improve their vision. The study mentioned above provides evidence that this type of surgery can have positive effects on eye alignment and movement skills in children with Angelman syndrome.

Overall, patients who are recommended strabismus surgery are those who have persistent eye misalignment that cannot be corrected with other treatments such as glasses, vision therapy, or eye patches. It is important for patients to consult with an ophthalmologist or eye surgeon to determine if they are good candidates for strabismus surgery based on their individual circumstances and medical history.

Timeline

Before strabismus surgery, a patient may experience misaligned eyes, double vision, eye strain, headaches, difficulty focusing, and self-consciousness about their appearance. They may also undergo a comprehensive eye exam to determine the extent of the misalignment and the best course of treatment.

After strabismus surgery, the patient will typically experience improved eye alignment, reduced or eliminated double vision, improved depth perception, and improved appearance. They may also experience some discomfort, redness, and swelling in the eye area immediately following the surgery. The patient will need to follow post-operative care instructions, including using eye drops, wearing an eye patch, and attending follow-up appointments with their eye doctor.

Over time, the patient’s eyes will continue to heal and adjust, and they will gradually experience improved vision and eye alignment. They may also undergo vision therapy to strengthen their eye muscles and improve their coordination. Overall, strabismus surgery can significantly improve the patient’s quality of life and visual function.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about strabismus surgery for their child with Angelman syndrome include:

  1. Is strabismus surgery a suitable option for my child with Angelman syndrome?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with strabismus surgery in children with Angelman syndrome?
  3. How will the surgery affect my child’s eye alignment and vision?
  4. What is the expected outcome of the surgery in terms of improving my child’s movement skills?
  5. How long is the recovery process after strabismus surgery for children with Angelman syndrome?
  6. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that could be considered instead of or in addition to strabismus surgery?
  7. How often will my child need follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  8. Will my child need to wear glasses or use any special devices after the surgery to maintain the results?
  9. Are there any long-term effects of strabismus surgery that I should be aware of?
  10. Can you provide references or resources for further information about strabismus surgery in children with Angelman syndrome?

Reference

Authors: Michieletto P, Pensiero S, Diplotti L, Ronfani L, Giangreco M, Danieli A, Bonanni P. Journal: PLoS One. 2020 Nov 13;15(11):e0242366. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242366. eCollection 2020. PMID: 33186391