Our Summary

This study looked at the results of eye alignment (strabismus) surgeries in a hospital over a year and a half. They looked at factors like patient age, gender, diagnosis, whether they had double vision, the type of surgery and anesthesia used, and how successful the surgery was. They considered the surgery a success if the eyes were aligned within certain parameters and the patient didn’t have double vision.

They performed 153 surgeries, mostly on women and adults (74.5% of patients were 18 years or older, and a third of those were 60 or older). Half of the patients had double vision before surgery. Most of the misalignment was horizontal and the most common diagnosis was cranial nerve palsies (where the nerve controlling eye movement is damaged).

They used adjustable stitches in about a fifth of the cases and local anesthesia in about two-thirds. At the end of the follow-up period, the surgery was successful in about four out of five cases. However, a quarter of patients needed more surgery.

Interestingly, they found that being female and having a certain type of surgery (oblique superior) were associated with less successful outcomes. The study concludes that eye alignment surgery in adults is much more common than in children. The most common diagnosis was damage to the nerve controlling eye movement. Most patients had successful outcomes, but adjustable stitches were not used often.

FAQs

  1. What factors did the study consider when evaluating the success of strabismus surgeries?
  2. What were some of the common characteristics of the patients who underwent strabismus surgeries in the study?
  3. What were some findings of the study regarding the success rate and need for additional surgery in strabismus patients?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about strabismus surgery is to carefully follow post-operative instructions, including any eye exercises or medications prescribed. It is important to attend all follow-up appointments to monitor progress and address any concerns promptly. Additionally, be prepared for the possibility that additional surgery may be needed in some cases to achieve optimal results. Remember that every patient’s experience and outcome may vary, so it’s important to communicate openly with your healthcare provider throughout the process.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for strabismus surgery include:

  1. Adults, especially those over the age of 18
  2. Patients with horizontal misalignment of the eyes
  3. Patients with cranial nerve palsies causing the strabismus
  4. Patients experiencing double vision
  5. Patients who have not had success with other non-surgical treatments for strabismus

It is important to note that each patient’s case is unique, and a thorough evaluation by an ophthalmologist or strabismus specialist is necessary to determine if surgery is the best course of treatment.

Timeline

Before strabismus surgery, a patient may experience misalignment of the eyes, leading to issues like double vision. They may undergo various tests and consultations with an eye doctor to determine the best course of treatment.

During the surgery, the patient will be placed under anesthesia, either local or general, and the surgeon will perform the necessary procedures to realign the eyes. In some cases, adjustable stitches may be used to fine-tune the alignment.

After the surgery, the patient will likely experience some discomfort and may need to wear an eye patch for a period of time. They will have follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor the progress of the surgery and make any necessary adjustments.

In the weeks and months following the surgery, the patient should see an improvement in eye alignment and may no longer experience double vision. However, in some cases, additional surgeries may be needed to achieve the desired outcome. Overall, the success rate of strabismus surgery is high, with most patients experiencing improved eye alignment.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with strabismus surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery process and what can I expect during that time?
  3. Will I need follow-up appointments after the surgery, and if so, how often?
  4. Are there any alternative treatments to surgery that I should consider?
  5. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and what are the potential side effects?
  6. How likely is it that I will need additional surgeries in the future?
  7. Can you explain the different types of strabismus surgeries and why a certain type is recommended for me?
  8. What are the success rates for this type of surgery in patients with my specific diagnosis and age group?
  9. Will I need to wear an eye patch or use any special eye drops after the surgery?
  10. How soon after the surgery will I be able to resume my normal daily activities, such as driving or working?

Reference

Authors: Merino Sanz P, Donoso Torres HE, Gómez de Liaño Sánchez P, Casco Guijarro J. Journal: Arch Soc Esp Oftalmol (Engl Ed). 2020 May;95(5):217-222. doi: 10.1016/j.oftal.2020.01.007. Epub 2020 Feb 13. PMID: 32063418