Our Summary
This research paper is about a study conducted on the occurrence of conjunctival cysts (a kind of eye condition) after strabismus surgery (eye alignment surgery). The researchers looked at medical data from 2662 patients who had this surgery at Beyoğlu Eye Training and Research Hospital between 2015 and 2021.
The average age of these patients was around 16 years and both eyes were operated on in more than half the patients. The surgeries involved different procedures on the muscles of the eye.
Out of all these patients, only 11 had conjunctival cysts after their surgery, which were noticed between 20 days and 8 months post-surgery. These cysts were more commonly found on the nasal side of the eye.
The researchers concluded that conjunctival cysts are a rare complication after strabismus surgery and are likely caused by an overgrowth of the lining of the eye. They recommended that to reduce the chance of these cysts forming, surgeons should ensure they correctly close the eye lining after surgery, patients should maintain good hygiene, avoid contact that might contaminate the stitches, and ensure that the surgery doesn’t take too long.
FAQs
- What is the occurrence rate of conjunctival cysts after strabismus surgery, according to the study?
- What measures can be taken to reduce the chance of developing conjunctival cysts post strabismus surgery?
- At what point post-surgery were these conjunctival cysts typically noticed in patients?
Doctor’s Tip
A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about strabismus surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including keeping the eye clean and avoiding activities that could potentially cause infection or irritation. It is also important to attend all follow-up appointments to monitor for any potential complications, such as conjunctival cysts, and address them promptly if they occur.
Suitable For
Patients who are typically recommended strabismus surgery are those who have misaligned eyes, also known as strabismus. This condition can occur in both children and adults and can be caused by various factors such as muscle imbalance, nerve problems, or other underlying eye conditions. Strabismus surgery is usually recommended for patients who have not responded well to non-surgical treatments such as vision therapy or eye exercises.
Specifically, patients who may be recommended for strabismus surgery include:
Children with congenital strabismus: Children who are born with misaligned eyes may benefit from strabismus surgery to correct the alignment and improve their vision.
Adults with acquired strabismus: Adults who develop strabismus later in life due to factors such as trauma, nerve damage, or other eye conditions may also be recommended for surgery to correct the alignment.
Patients with significant eye misalignment: Patients with significant eye misalignment that affects their vision, depth perception, or causes discomfort may be candidates for strabismus surgery.
Patients with chronic or recurring strabismus: Patients who have chronic or recurring episodes of strabismus that do not respond well to other treatments may be recommended for surgery to correct the underlying issue.
Overall, the decision to recommend strabismus surgery is made on a case-by-case basis by an eye care professional after a thorough evaluation of the patient’s eye health and alignment issues. It is important for patients to discuss their options with their eye doctor and weigh the potential benefits and risks of surgery before making a decision.
Timeline
Before strabismus surgery, a patient typically undergoes a thorough eye examination to determine the severity of the misalignment and the best course of treatment. This may involve wearing glasses or using eye patches to strengthen the weaker eye before surgery. The patient will also meet with the surgeon to discuss the procedure, potential risks, and expected outcomes.
On the day of surgery, the patient will be given anesthesia to ensure they are comfortable and pain-free during the procedure. The surgery itself involves making small incisions in the eye muscles and adjusting their tension to correct the misalignment. The entire procedure usually takes around 1-2 hours.
After surgery, the patient may experience some discomfort, redness, and swelling in the eyes. They will be given medications to manage pain and prevent infection. The patient will need to follow post-operative care instructions provided by the surgeon, which may include wearing an eye patch, using eye drops, and avoiding strenuous activities.
Over the following weeks and months, the patient will attend follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor their progress and ensure the eyes are healing properly. Vision may be blurry or double temporarily as the eyes adjust to the new alignment. It may take several months for the eyes to fully stabilize and for the patient to experience the full benefits of the surgery.
Overall, strabismus surgery can greatly improve a patient’s quality of life by correcting their eye alignment and improving their vision. With proper care and follow-up, the majority of patients can expect successful outcomes and a significant improvement in their eye alignment.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about strabismus surgery include:
- What are the potential risks and complications of strabismus surgery, including the risk of developing conjunctival cysts?
- How often do patients experience complications such as conjunctival cysts after this type of surgery?
- What steps will be taken during the surgery to minimize the risk of developing conjunctival cysts?
- How soon after the surgery should I contact my doctor if I notice any unusual symptoms or changes in my eye?
- Are there any specific post-operative care instructions I should follow to reduce the risk of complications, such as avoiding certain activities or using eye drops?
- What is the expected recovery time after strabismus surgery, and when can I expect to see improvements in my eye alignment?
- Will I need follow-up appointments to monitor my eye health after the surgery, and how often should I schedule these appointments?
- Are there any signs or symptoms I should watch out for that may indicate a complication, such as infection or inflammation?
- What are the chances of needing additional surgeries or treatments in the future after strabismus surgery?
- Can you provide me with any additional information or resources to help me better understand the risks and benefits of strabismus surgery?
Reference
Authors: Hüseyinhan Z, Gürez C, Ülgen Y. Journal: Strabismus. 2023 Sep;31(3):166-171. doi: 10.1080/09273972.2023.2242428. Epub 2023 Aug 15. PMID: 37581336