Our Summary

The research looked into the trends of strabismus surgery (a procedure to correct crossed or misaligned eyes) in a central Chinese hospital over the last ten years. It found that the number of surgeries had steadily increased, from 800 in 2005 to 1,723 in 2014. The most common type of strabismus was constant exotropia (outward turning of the eye), and the most common type of paralytic strabismus (caused by a problem with the muscles controlling the eye) was superior oblique muscle palsy. The proportion of patients with intermittent exotropia (where the eye occasionally turns outward) also increased over time.

FAQs

  1. What is strabismus surgery and what does it aim to correct?
  2. What were the findings of the research regarding the trends of strabismus surgery in a central Chinese hospital?
  3. What were the most common types of strabismus identified in the study?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about strabismus surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, which may include using prescribed eye drops or ointments, wearing an eye patch or shield as directed, and avoiding activities that could strain the eyes during the healing process. It is important to attend all follow-up appointments to monitor progress and ensure the best outcome. Additionally, patients should communicate any concerns or changes in vision to their doctor promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for strabismus surgery include those with constant exotropia, paralytic strabismus (such as superior oblique muscle palsy), and intermittent exotropia. These patients may experience symptoms such as double vision, difficulty focusing, or aesthetic concerns due to the misalignment of their eyes. The decision to undergo surgery is typically made in collaboration with an ophthalmologist or strabismus specialist, taking into account the severity of the condition and the potential benefits of surgery in improving eye alignment and visual function.

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 severity and type of strabismus.
  3. Treatment options such as glasses, eye exercises, or prism lenses may be recommended as initial management.
  4. If conservative treatments are ineffective, surgery may be recommended as a last resort.

After strabismus surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the surgical procedure to correct the misalignment of the eyes.
  2. Recovery period varies depending on the type of surgery performed, but typically involves a few weeks of rest and follow-up appointments with the surgeon.
  3. Patient may experience temporary discomfort, swelling, or redness in the eye after surgery.
  4. Vision may improve gradually as the eyes align properly, but some patients may require additional treatments or follow-up surgeries.
  5. Patient may need to undergo eye exercises or vision therapy to strengthen eye muscles and improve coordination.
  6. Long-term follow-up care is necessary to monitor the progress and ensure the success of the surgery.

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 for my specific type of strabismus?
  3. What is the recovery process like after strabismus surgery?
  4. How long will it take for my eyes to align properly after the surgery?
  5. Will I need to wear glasses or use any other vision aids after the surgery?
  6. How many strabismus surgeries have you performed, and what is your success rate?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that I should consider before opting for surgery?
  8. How long will the effects of strabismus surgery last?
  9. Will I need to undergo any additional follow-up procedures or treatments after the surgery?
  10. What is the cost of strabismus surgery and will my insurance cover it?

Reference

Authors: Li JH, Xie WF, Tian JN, Zhang LJ, Cao MM, Wang L. Journal: J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2017 Mar 1;54(2):112-116. doi: 10.3928/01913913-20161013-01. Epub 2016 Dec 16. PMID: 27977036