Our Summary
This research paper is about a study conducted in France from 2013 to 2017 on patients who had undergone surgery for strabismus, a condition where the eyes don’t line up in the same direction. The study looked at the different types of strabismus that were operated on, the surgeries performed, and how many patients needed a second operation within two years.
The study found that out of 56,654 patients, about half were under 10. The majority of patients had non-paralytic strabismus, meaning their eye muscles were not paralyzed. The most common type of this condition was esotropia (where one or both eyes turn inward), followed by exotropia (where one or both eyes turn outward) and vertical strabismus (where one or both eyes turn up or down).
A smaller proportion of patients had paralytic strabismus, where the muscles controlling eye movement are paralyzed. The most common type of this condition was fourth cranial nerve palsy, followed by sixth cranial nerve palsy and third cranial nerve palsy.
The study found that about 1 in 13 patients needed a second operation within two years. This rate was lower for patients with non-paralytic strabismus and higher for those with paralytic strabismus.
The researchers caution that these findings should be interpreted carefully, as the type and severity of strabismus, as well as the surgical practices, can vary greatly. They suggest that long-term follow-up is necessary. This study will help evaluate practices at a national level in France and allow for comparisons between countries.
FAQs
- What types of strabismus were most commonly operated on in this study?
- What proportion of patients required a second operation within two years of their initial strabismus surgery?
- How do the researchers suggest interpreting the findings from the study?
Doctor’s Tip
A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about strabismus surgery is to follow post-operative instructions carefully to ensure a successful outcome. This may include using prescribed eye drops, wearing an eye patch as directed, and attending all follow-up appointments with the eye doctor. It’s important to communicate any concerns or changes in vision to the doctor promptly. Additionally, patients should be aware that it may take time for the eyes to align properly after surgery, and patience is key during the recovery process.
Suitable For
Overall, strabismus surgery is typically recommended for patients who have non-responsive strabismus that is affecting their vision, causing double vision, or impacting their quality of life. Patients with esotropia, exotropia, and vertical strabismus are common candidates for surgery, as well as those with paralytic strabismus such as cranial nerve palsies.
It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by an ophthalmologist or strabismus specialist to determine if surgery is the best course of action. The decision to proceed with surgery depends on factors such as the type and severity of the strabismus, the patient’s age, overall health, and potential risks and benefits of the surgery.
In conclusion, strabismus surgery may be recommended for patients with a variety of types of strabismus, especially if other treatments such as glasses, eye patches, or vision therapy have not been successful. The decision to undergo surgery should be made in consultation with a qualified eye care provider.
Timeline
Before strabismus surgery, a patient typically experiences symptoms such as misaligned eyes, double vision, and difficulty focusing. They may have undergone various treatments such as vision therapy, eye patches, or glasses to correct the alignment of their eyes.
After strabismus surgery, the patient may experience some discomfort, swelling, and redness in the eye area. They may also have some temporary double vision or blurry vision as their eyes adjust to the new alignment. Over time, the eyes should align properly, and the patient should experience improved vision and overall eye function. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon are usually scheduled to monitor progress and address any concerns.
What to Ask Your Doctor
- What type of strabismus do I have, and how will the surgery correct it?
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with strabismus surgery?
- How long is the recovery process, and what can I expect in terms of post-operative care?
- Will I need to wear glasses or use any other aids after the surgery?
- How successful is strabismus surgery in general, and what are the chances that I may need a second operation?
- Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that I should consider before deciding on surgery?
- How experienced are you in performing strabismus surgery, and what is your success rate?
- Are there any specific pre-operative instructions or tests that I need to follow before the surgery?
- How soon after the surgery will I be able to resume my normal activities, such as driving or working?
- What are the long-term implications of having strabismus surgery, and how often will I need to follow up with you after the procedure?
Reference
Authors: Colas Q, Capsec J, Arsène S, Pisella PJ, Grammatico-Guillon L, Khanna RK. Journal: Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2022 Jun;260(6):2037-2043. doi: 10.1007/s00417-021-05541-1. Epub 2022 Jan 4. PMID: 34982221