Our Summary

This study looked at the long-term results of two types of eye muscle surgery for a condition called strabismus, where the eyes do not properly align with each other. They compared the results of operations that adjusted one eye muscle to those that adjusted two. The study found that both methods had similar success rates and the results were not affected by the type of strabismus or by earlier strabismus surgeries. In other words, whether one or two eye muscles were adjusted, the outcomes were more or less the same.

FAQs

  1. What is strabismus and how does it affect eye alignment?
  2. What were the two types of eye muscle surgeries compared in the study?
  3. How did the type of strabismus or previous strabismus surgeries affect the success rate of the operations studied?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about strabismus surgery is to follow the post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure the best possible outcome. This may include using prescribed eye drops, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments with the eye surgeon for monitoring and adjustment if needed. It is also important to communicate any changes in vision or discomfort to the doctor promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended strabismus surgery include those who have:

  • Constant or frequent eye misalignment
  • Poor depth perception
  • Double vision
  • Head tilting or turning to see better
  • Struggle with reading or other close work

Strabismus surgery is often recommended after other treatments such as glasses, eye patches, or vision therapy have been tried and have not been successful in correcting the misalignment. The decision to undergo surgery is usually made in consultation with an ophthalmologist or strabismus specialist who will evaluate the patient’s individual case and determine the best course of treatment.

Timeline

Before strabismus surgery:

  1. Patient consults with an ophthalmologist or strabismus specialist to discuss treatment options.
  2. Patient undergoes a comprehensive eye examination to determine the extent of the strabismus and the best surgical approach.
  3. Pre-operative tests such as visual acuity, binocular vision assessment, and eye movement evaluations are conducted.
  4. Patient may be prescribed corrective lenses or undergo vision therapy prior to surgery to optimize visual function.
  5. Patient receives instructions on pre-operative care and any necessary medication adjustments.

After strabismus surgery:

  1. Patient is monitored closely in the immediate post-operative period for any complications or side effects.
  2. Patient may experience some discomfort, redness, or swelling in the eye area, which typically resolves within a few days.
  3. Patient is advised to rest and avoid strenuous activities for a period of time to allow the eyes to heal properly.
  4. Patient may need to wear an eye patch or use eye drops as part of the post-operative care regimen.
  5. Patient attends follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor progress and assess the success of the surgery.
  6. Patient may be referred to a vision therapist for further rehabilitation to improve visual alignment and coordination.
  7. Over time, the eyes should gradually align and improve in function, leading to better visual outcomes and improved quality of life for the patient.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications of strabismus surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery period after strabismus surgery?
  3. What is the success rate of strabismus surgery in correcting misaligned eyes?
  4. Will I need to wear glasses or use eye drops after strabismus surgery?
  5. How long will the results of strabismus surgery last?
  6. Will I need follow-up appointments after strabismus surgery?
  7. Can strabismus surgery be performed on both eyes at the same time?
  8. Are there any alternative treatments to strabismus surgery that I should consider?
  9. How experienced are you in performing strabismus surgery?
  10. Are there any specific restrictions or precautions I should follow before and after strabismus surgery?

Reference

Authors: Ibrahim HA, Slim A, El Hadi D, Al-Haddad C. Journal: Strabismus. 2024 Jun;32(2):65-72. doi: 10.1080/09273972.2024.2325063. Epub 2024 Apr 3. PMID: 38571324