Our Summary

This research paper discusses how different types of eye surgery can result in double vision, or diplopia. This can happen due to a variety of reasons such as direct injury to the eye muscles during surgery or anesthesia, scarring, changes in the muscle system, effects from implants, and muscle displacement. Double vision can also be caused by a loss of coordination between the eyes due to poor vision in one eye that has been present for a long time, or due to an overlooked pre-existing eye misalignment. The treatment for this, which usually starts with the use of prisms and may require surgery, can be difficult. The paper discusses the frequency, causes, and treatments of double vision after various eye surgeries.

FAQs

  1. What types of ocular surgery can cause double vision (diplopia)?
  2. What are the mechanisms that can cause diplopia after ocular surgery?
  3. How is diplopia typically treated after ocular surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about strabismus surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including any eye exercises or medications prescribed. It is important to attend all follow-up appointments to monitor healing and ensure optimal results. Additionally, it may take time for the eyes to adjust and align properly after surgery, so patience is key. If any concerns or new symptoms arise, it is important to contact the doctor immediately for further evaluation.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for strabismus surgery are those who have persistent misalignment of the eyes (strabismus) that cannot be corrected with other treatments such as glasses, prisms, or vision therapy. This includes patients with conditions such as esotropia, exotropia, hypertropia, and hypotropia. Strabismus surgery may also be recommended for patients with diplopia (double vision) caused by eye muscle imbalances, as well as those with amblyopia (lazy eye) that has not improved with other treatments.

In addition, patients who have experienced diplopia as a result of other ocular surgeries, such as eyelid, conjunctival, cataract, refractive, glaucoma, retinal, or orbital surgery, may also be candidates for strabismus surgery to correct the resulting muscle imbalances. It is important for patients to undergo a comprehensive eye examination and evaluation by an ophthalmologist specializing in strabismus to determine if surgery is the best course of action for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before strabismus surgery:

  1. Patient consults with an ophthalmologist who specializes in strabismus to discuss treatment options.
  2. Patient undergoes a comprehensive eye examination to determine the severity of the strabismus and the best course of treatment.
  3. Patient may undergo vision therapy or use corrective lenses to help improve eye alignment before surgery.
  4. Patient is informed about the risks and benefits of strabismus surgery and given instructions on how to prepare for the procedure.

After strabismus surgery:

  1. Patient may experience some discomfort, redness, and swelling in the eye following surgery.
  2. Patient may need to wear an eye patch or protective shield over the eye for a period of time to aid in healing.
  3. Patient will have follow-up appointments with the ophthalmologist to monitor the progress of the eye alignment and ensure proper healing.
  4. Patient may need to undergo vision therapy or wear corrective lenses post-surgery to help maintain the alignment of the eyes.
  5. Patient may experience temporary double vision or blurred vision as the eyes adjust to the new alignment, but this should improve over time.
  6. Overall, the goal of strabismus surgery is to improve the alignment of the eyes and enhance the patient’s visual function and quality of life.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with strabismus surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery period after strabismus surgery?
  3. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  4. How successful is strabismus surgery in correcting the misalignment of the eyes?
  5. Will there be any scarring or visible changes to the appearance of the eyes after surgery?
  6. How many strabismus surgeries have you performed and what is your success rate?
  7. Will additional treatments or follow-up procedures be necessary after the surgery?
  8. Are there any specific preoperative or postoperative instructions I should follow?
  9. How soon after the surgery will I be able to resume normal activities, such as driving or going back to work?
  10. What are the alternatives to surgery for treating strabismus?

Reference

Authors: Sobol EK, Rosenberg JB. Journal: J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2017 Sep 1;54(5):272-281. doi: 10.3928/01913913-20170703-01. Epub 2017 Jul 31. PMID: 28753216