Our Summary

This study looked at how often adults in England had surgery to fix strabismus (a condition where the eyes do not properly align with each other) from 2000 to 2014. It found that while the overall number of these surgeries stayed about the same, the number of surgeries on kids 15 and under went down by 17%. In contrast, the number of surgeries on people over the age of 15 went up by 24%.

The researchers think this increase in adult surgeries is because more evidence has been found showing the benefits of fixing strabismus. These benefits are not only physical (helping the eyes work better together), but also social and psychological (potentially improving self-esteem and social interaction). This shift could affect how eye care is provided in the future.

FAQs

  1. What was the overall trend in strabismus surgeries in England from 2000 to 2014?
  2. What might be contributing to the increase in adult strabismus surgeries?
  3. How can fixing strabismus potentially benefit patients socially and psychologically?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about strabismus surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure the best possible outcome. This may include using eye drops, wearing an eye patch, and attending follow-up appointments as scheduled. It’s also important to communicate any concerns or changes in vision to your doctor promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended strabismus surgery include:

  1. Children with severe or persistent strabismus that is affecting their vision and/or causing discomfort.
  2. Adults with strabismus that is causing double vision, eye strain, or social and psychological issues.
  3. Patients with strabismus that is not improving with other treatments such as glasses, eye exercises, or eye patches.
  4. Patients with strabismus that is impacting their ability to perform daily tasks or affecting their quality of life.
  5. Patients with strabismus that is interfering with their ability to drive or work.

Timeline

Before strabismus surgery:

  1. Patient notices misalignment of eyes or is diagnosed with strabismus by an eye doctor.
  2. Patient may undergo vision therapy or use corrective lenses to manage symptoms.
  3. Patient discusses surgical options with an ophthalmologist and decides to proceed with surgery.
  4. Pre-operative evaluations and tests are conducted to assess the eyes and overall health of the patient.

After strabismus surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes strabismus surgery, which typically involves adjusting the muscles around the eyes to improve alignment.
  2. Patient may experience temporary discomfort, redness, and swelling after surgery.
  3. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing and alignment of the eyes.
  4. Patient may need to use eye drops or wear an eye patch for a period of time post-surgery.
  5. Patient may undergo vision therapy or follow-up surgeries to optimize eye alignment and function.
  6. Patient experiences improved eye alignment and potentially improved vision and quality of life.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with strabismus surgery?
  2. What is the success rate of strabismus surgery in adults?
  3. How long is the recovery period after strabismus surgery?
  4. Will I need to wear glasses or contact lenses after surgery?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments to strabismus surgery that I should consider?
  6. How many surgeries have you performed for strabismus in adults?
  7. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  8. How long will the effects of the surgery last?
  9. Will I need to follow a specific post-operative care regimen?
  10. Are there any long-term effects or complications associated with strabismus surgery in adults?

Reference

Authors: Astle AT, Foulsham T, Foss AJ, McGraw PV. Journal: Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 2016 Jul;36(4):487-93. doi: 10.1111/opo.12306. PMID: 27350186