Our Summary
This research paper is about a study comparing two different methods of carrying out two types of eye surgeries in children: ptosis surgery (for drooping eyelids) and strabismus surgery (for misaligned eyes). The two methods were doing both surgeries at the same time (simultaneous surgery) and doing them separately, with a gap of at least 7 weeks (sequential surgery).
The study looked at the results of 56 children, some of whom had both surgeries at the same time, while others had them separately. It checked how successful the surgeries were, any complications, and if any further surgeries were needed.
The key finding was that there was no significant difference between doing the surgeries at the same time or separately. This means that even though there could theoretically be a risk of complications when doing both surgeries together, it didn’t actually happen more often than when the surgeries were done separately.
So, the study concluded that doing both ptosis and strabismus surgery at the same time seems to be safe and effective. Plus, it has the added benefit of reducing the number of times a child has to be put under anesthesia.
FAQs
- What were the two methods of carrying out ptosis and strabismus surgeries compared in this study?
- Did the study find any significant difference in the success and complication rates between simultaneous and sequential surgeries?
- What are the potential benefits of performing both ptosis and strabismus surgeries at the same time, according to the study?
Doctor’s Tip
A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about strabismus surgery is to discuss the option of having both ptosis and strabismus surgeries done simultaneously, as it has been shown to be safe and effective in children. This can help reduce the overall number of surgeries needed and minimize the risks associated with anesthesia. Be sure to follow all post-operative instructions and attend follow-up appointments to ensure a successful recovery.
Suitable For
In terms of the types of patients recommended for strabismus surgery, typically those with misaligned eyes that cannot be corrected with glasses or other non-surgical treatments are considered for surgery. This includes individuals with constant or intermittent strabismus, amblyopia (lazy eye), double vision, or other visual disturbances caused by the misalignment of the eyes.
Children with strabismus may also be recommended for surgery if they have a significant amount of eye turn that is affecting their ability to use both eyes together, leading to issues with depth perception or coordination. Adults with strabismus may also be considered for surgery if they are experiencing double vision or cosmetic concerns related to the misalignment of their eyes.
Overall, patients who have unsuccessfully tried other treatments for strabismus and are experiencing functional or cosmetic issues related to their eye misalignment may be recommended for strabismus surgery. It is important for patients to consult with an ophthalmologist or strabismus specialist to determine if surgery is the best course of action for their individual case.
Timeline
Before strabismus surgery, a patient typically undergoes a comprehensive eye exam to determine the extent of the misalignment and assess overall eye health. The patient may also undergo pre-operative testing, such as blood tests and imaging scans. The ophthalmologist will discuss the surgical procedure, potential risks and benefits, and post-operative care instructions with the patient.
After strabismus surgery, the patient may experience some discomfort, redness, and swelling in the eyes, which can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medication and cold compresses. The patient will need to attend follow-up appointments with the ophthalmologist to monitor healing progress and ensure the eyes are aligning properly. Vision therapy may also be recommended to help strengthen eye muscles and improve coordination.
Overall, the timeline of a patient’s experience before and after strabismus surgery involves thorough pre-operative evaluation, the surgical procedure itself, and ongoing post-operative care to ensure optimal outcomes.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about strabismus surgery include:
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with strabismus surgery?
- What is the success rate of strabismus surgery in correcting misaligned eyes?
- How long is the recovery period after strabismus surgery?
- Will I need to wear an eye patch or use eye drops after the surgery?
- Will I need to undergo further surgeries or follow-up procedures after strabismus surgery?
- How experienced are you in performing strabismus surgery?
- Are there any alternative treatments or therapies for strabismus that I should consider before opting for surgery?
- Will I need to undergo any specific pre-operative tests or evaluations before the surgery?
- What can I expect in terms of post-operative care and follow-up appointments?
- Are there any specific lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after strabismus surgery to ensure optimal results?
Reference
Authors: Revere KE, Binenbaum G, Li J, Mills MD, Katowitz WR, Katowitz JA. Journal: Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg. 2018 May/Jun;34(3):280-283. doi: 10.1097/IOP.0000000000000949. PMID: 28661930