Our Summary

The research paper discusses a study conducted on elderly patients suffering from a condition called strabismus, which causes misalignment of the eyes and can lead to double vision (diplopia) and psychological issues. The study specifically looked at patients over 80 years old who underwent surgery to correct this condition at the Stein Eye Institute in Los Angeles from 2014 to 2024.

The study involved 165 patients, with an average age of 83, more than half of whom were women. For most of these patients, the main problem was double vision. The most common cause of their eye misalignment was a condition called sagging eye syndrome. Some patients had their surgeries under general anesthesia, while others had it under local anesthesia. There were no complications during the anesthesia or surgery.

The surgery was successful in 75% of cases in eliminating double vision after the first surgery. This success rate increased to 87% after one or two additional surgeries. A small portion of patients, about 13%, had to go through reoperation.

The conclusion of the study is that surgery for strabismus in patients over 80 years old is safe and effective at correcting double vision and improving eye alignment, without any significant complications.

FAQs

  1. What is the success rate of strabismus surgery in patients over 80 years old according to the study conducted at the Stein Eye Institute?
  2. What was the most common cause of eye misalignment in the elderly patients studied?
  3. Were there any complications during the anesthesia or surgery in this study on strabismus surgery in patients over 80?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about strabismus surgery is to follow all post-operative instructions carefully, including using prescribed eye drops and attending follow-up appointments. It is important to give the eyes time to heal properly and to monitor for any signs of infection or complications. Additionally, patients should be aware that it may take some time for the eyes to fully adjust and for the double vision to completely resolve. Patience and adherence to the doctor’s recommendations are key to a successful outcome after strabismus surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended strabismus surgery are those who have misalignment of the eyes that causes double vision, especially if it is affecting their quality of life or causing psychological distress. In the case of the study mentioned above, elderly patients over 80 years old with strabismus were recommended for surgery to correct their eye alignment and eliminate double vision.

Timeline

Before strabismus surgery:

  • Patient experiences misalignment of the eyes, leading to double vision and potential psychological issues
  • Patient undergoes a consultation with an ophthalmologist to discuss the surgery and its potential benefits
  • Pre-operative tests and evaluations are conducted to determine the best course of action for the surgery
  • Patient may undergo general or local anesthesia for the surgery

After strabismus surgery:

  • Patient may experience some discomfort and redness in the eyes immediately after surgery
  • Patient is given post-operative instructions for eye care and follow-up appointments
  • Patient may need to wear an eye patch for a period of time to protect the eyes during the healing process
  • Patient gradually sees improvement in eye alignment and reduction of double vision
  • Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor progress and address any concerns or complications
  • Patient may need one or more additional surgeries to achieve optimal results

Overall, the timeline for a patient undergoing strabismus surgery involves pre-operative evaluations, the surgical procedure itself, and post-operative care and follow-up appointments to monitor progress and ensure the best possible outcome for the patient.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about strabismus surgery include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with strabismus surgery?
  2. What is the success rate of strabismus surgery in patients my age?
  3. How many surgeries may be needed to correct my eye misalignment?
  4. Will I need to wear an eye patch or use eye drops after surgery?
  5. What is the expected recovery time and when can I resume normal activities?
  6. Will I need to follow up with the doctor after surgery and how often?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments to surgery for strabismus?
  8. How will my vision be affected after surgery?
  9. Will strabismus surgery improve my double vision and other symptoms?
  10. What is the experience and success rate of the surgeon performing the procedure?

Reference

Authors: Yehezkeli V, Pineles SL, Demer JL, Meng Q, Velez FG. Journal: Am J Ophthalmol. 2025 Apr;272:145-149. doi: 10.1016/j.ajo.2025.01.021. Epub 2025 Jan 31. PMID: 39894427