Our Summary

This research study aimed to observe the frequency and results of eye muscle surgery (strabismus surgery) following cataract surgery in infants. The study compared two groups: infants who received an intraocular lens (IOL) implant during cataract surgery and those who were treated with a contact lens. The results showed that about 39% of the infants underwent strabismus surgery. The need for this additional surgery was less likely in infants who had the cataract surgery at a very young age (within the first six weeks of life). After the strabismus surgery, only a third of the patients had their eyes properly aligned by the age of five. The study concludes that whether or not the child had strabismus surgery did not affect their vision in the long term. The research suggests that performing cataract surgery early in life might reduce the need for later strabismus surgery, although the outcomes of such eye muscle surgeries are uncertain.

FAQs

  1. What percentage of infants underwent strabismus surgery after cataract surgery according to this study?
  2. Does the timing of cataract surgery in infants affect the likelihood of needing strabismus surgery later on?
  3. Does strabismus surgery affect the long-term vision of the child according to the study?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may advise a patient considering strabismus surgery to discuss the potential risks and benefits with their ophthalmologist. They may also recommend following post-operative care instructions carefully to optimize the chances of a successful outcome. Additionally, the doctor may suggest monitoring the patient’s eye alignment regularly after surgery to ensure the best possible results.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended strabismus surgery include those who have misaligned eyes (strabismus) that cannot be corrected with other treatments such as glasses, eye patches, or vision therapy. This may include both children and adults with strabismus that affects their vision, depth perception, or causes discomfort or self-consciousness. In some cases, strabismus surgery may be recommended as a way to improve the alignment of the eyes and potentially improve visual function and quality of life.

Timeline

Before strabismus surgery:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with strabismus, a condition in which the eyes are misaligned.
  2. Patient undergoes a comprehensive eye exam to determine the severity of the strabismus.
  3. Patient may be prescribed glasses or eye exercises to help manage the condition.
  4. If the strabismus is not corrected with non-surgical methods, the patient may be recommended for strabismus surgery.

After strabismus surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and evaluation to determine the specific surgical plan.
  2. Patient undergoes strabismus surgery to realign the eye muscles.
  3. Patient may experience some discomfort and swelling following the surgery.
  4. Patient is typically able to return home the same day as the surgery.
  5. Patient may need to wear an eye patch or use eye drops for a period of time after the surgery.
  6. Patient attends follow-up appointments with their eye surgeon to monitor the healing process and ensure proper alignment of the eyes.
  7. Patient may undergo vision therapy or additional treatments to improve eye coordination and visual function.
  8. Over time, patient’s eyes should become properly aligned, improving their vision and overall quality of life.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with strabismus surgery?
  2. How successful is strabismus surgery in correcting misaligned eyes?
  3. How long is the recovery period after strabismus surgery?
  4. Will additional treatments or therapies be needed after strabismus surgery?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments or options for correcting strabismus?
  6. Will strabismus surgery have any long-term effects on my child’s vision?
  7. What is the success rate of strabismus surgery in infants compared to older children or adults?
  8. How experienced is the surgeon in performing strabismus surgery on infants?
  9. What pre-operative and post-operative care will be necessary for my child following strabismus surgery?
  10. How soon after cataract surgery can strabismus surgery be performed, if needed?

Reference

Authors: Bothun ED, Lynn MJ, Christiansen SP, Kruger SJ, Vanderveen DK, Neely DE, Lambert SR; Infant Aphakic Treatment Study. Journal: J AAPOS. 2016 Dec;20(6):501-505. doi: 10.1016/j.jaapos.2016.09.014. Epub 2016 Nov 2. PMID: 27815186