Our Summary
This research paper examines the trends in strabismus procedures in Ontario from 2000-2013. Strabismus is a condition where the eyes do not properly align with each other when looking at an object. The study looked at all the adults who underwent a strabismus related procedure and the ophthalmologists who performed them.
The study found that over this 13 year period, the number of strabismus surgeries increased by 26% per 100,000 adults. The number of surgeries involving one, two, or three or more muscles all increased as well, with two-muscle surgeries seeing the most significant increase of 43.1%. The use of adjustable sutures in these surgeries also increased by 30.3%, and the number of repeat procedures increased by 19.1%.
Interestingly, while the number of surgeries increased, the number of surgeons performing these surgeries decreased by 30%. By 2013, over 90% of these surgeries were performed by just over a third of the surgeons who specialize in strabismus procedures.
The researchers suggest that the increase in surgeries could be due to more health care funding and a greater understanding of the benefits of strabismus surgery, which include improvements in vision and mental well-being.
FAQs
- What is strabismus and what does the surgery involve?
- How has the number of strabismus surgeries and the surgeons performing these surgeries changed from 2000-2013 based on the study?
- What are the possible reasons for the increase in strabismus surgeries over the 13 year period according to the researchers?
Doctor’s Tip
One helpful tip that a doctor might tell a patient about strabismus surgery is to follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions carefully. This may include avoiding certain medications, fasting before surgery, and taking prescribed eye drops or medications after surgery. It is also important to attend all follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and optimal results. Additionally, patients should be prepared for some discomfort and potential changes in vision temporarily after surgery, but these should improve over time.
Suitable For
In terms of the types of patients typically recommended for strabismus surgery, the study found that the majority of patients who underwent these procedures were female (64.1%) and the average age of patients was 43 years old. The most common primary diagnoses leading to surgery were esotropia (inward deviation of the eyes) and exotropia (outward deviation of the eyes). Other common diagnoses included vertical deviations and complex strabismus cases.
Overall, the study suggests that strabismus surgery is recommended for patients who have significant misalignment of the eyes that is causing functional impairment or aesthetic concerns. The increase in surgeries over the 13-year period may indicate a greater awareness of the benefits of surgery for these patients and a willingness to pursue treatment to improve their quality of life.
Timeline
Before strabismus surgery, a patient typically undergoes a thorough eye examination to determine the extent of the misalignment and the best course of treatment. This may include visual acuity tests, eye movement tests, and imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans.
After the decision is made to proceed with surgery, the patient will be given information about the procedure, risks, and benefits, and will have the opportunity to ask any questions they may have. The surgery itself is usually performed under general anesthesia and involves tightening or loosening the eye muscles to correct the misalignment.
After surgery, the patient may experience some discomfort, swelling, redness, and temporary double vision. They will be given instructions for post-operative care, which may include using eye drops, wearing an eye patch, and avoiding strenuous activities. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments.
Over time, the patient should notice improvements in their eye alignment, vision, and overall quality of life. It is important for patients to follow their ophthalmologist’s recommendations for post-operative care and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure the best possible outcome.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about strabismus surgery based on this research paper include:
- What are the specific benefits of undergoing strabismus surgery for my condition?
- How many strabismus surgeries have you performed, and what is your success rate?
- Will my surgery involve one, two, or three or more muscles? What are the potential risks associated with each type of surgery?
- Will adjustable sutures be used in my surgery, and how does this affect the outcome?
- What is the likelihood of needing a repeat procedure, and what factors contribute to the need for a repeat surgery?
- How do you determine the appropriate number of muscles to operate on in my case?
- How will my vision and overall well-being be improved after the surgery?
- How will my recovery process look like, and what kind of follow-up care will be needed?
- Are there any alternative treatments to surgery that I should consider?
- What is the expected timeframe for scheduling the surgery and how long will the procedure take?
Reference
Authors: Szigiato AA, Caldwell M, Buys YM, Kraft SP, Mireskandari K. Journal: Can J Ophthalmol. 2019 Aug;54(4):501-508. doi: 10.1016/j.jcjo.2018.10.012. Epub 2019 Jan 16. PMID: 31358151