Our Summary
Strabismus is a fairly common condition that can affect both children and adults. It’s often recognized as the misalignment of the eyes, which can lead to symptoms like seeing double, having an abnormal head position, and losing depth perception. Beyond the physical symptoms, strabismus can also have serious psychological effects. It can damage a person’s self-esteem, make it difficult to maintain social relationships, and even limit job opportunities.
Strabismus can either be a condition that a person is born with or something that develops due to an illness later in life. The authors of this paper argue that surgical treatment for strabismus should be viewed as reconstructive surgery and not just dismissed as a cosmetic procedure. They stress that strabismus surgery is not only safe and effective, but also addresses both the functional problems caused by the condition and the psychosocial issues that come along with it.
FAQs
- Is strabismus a condition that only affects children?
- What are the potential impacts of strabismus on an individual’s psychosocial health?
- Is strabismus surgery considered a cosmetic procedure?
Doctor’s Tip
One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about strabismus surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions provided by the surgeon, such as avoiding certain medications or foods before the procedure. It is also important to have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery and to understand that it may take time for the eyes to fully align after the procedure. Additionally, the patient should be prepared for a period of recovery following the surgery, which may include temporary discomfort or changes in vision. It is important to communicate openly with the surgeon about any concerns or questions before and after the surgery to ensure the best possible outcome.
Suitable For
Patients who are typically recommended strabismus surgery include:
Children with congenital strabismus: Children with strabismus that is present from birth or develops in early childhood may benefit from surgery to correct the misalignment of the eyes and prevent amblyopia (lazy eye) from developing.
Adults with acquired strabismus: Adults who develop strabismus later in life due to conditions such as trauma, stroke, or thyroid eye disease may also be candidates for surgery to improve their eye alignment and alleviate symptoms such as double vision.
Patients with functional problems: Patients who experience significant functional problems as a result of their strabismus, such as difficulty with depth perception, eye strain, or headaches, may be recommended for surgery to improve their quality of life.
Patients with psychosocial concerns: Patients who experience negative psychosocial effects from their strabismus, such as low self-esteem, social isolation, or difficulties in the workplace, may benefit from surgery to improve their appearance and confidence.
Patients who have not responded to other treatments: Patients who have not responded to other treatments for strabismus, such as vision therapy or eye exercises, may be recommended for surgery as a last resort to correct the misalignment of their eyes.
Overall, strabismus surgery is a safe and effective treatment option for patients who experience functional or psychosocial problems as a result of their eye misalignment. It is important for patients to consult with a qualified ophthalmologist to determine if they are a suitable candidate for surgery and to discuss the potential risks and benefits of the procedure.
Timeline
Before strabismus surgery:
Diagnosis: The patient is diagnosed with strabismus by an eye care professional through a comprehensive eye exam.
Consultation: The patient meets with an ophthalmologist to discuss treatment options, including the possibility of strabismus surgery.
Pre-surgery evaluation: The patient undergoes a thorough evaluation to assess their eye alignment, vision, and overall health to determine if they are a candidate for surgery.
Pre-operative instructions: The patient receives instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including avoiding certain medications and foods.
Consent: The patient signs a consent form acknowledging the risks and benefits of the surgery.
After strabismus surgery:
Surgery: The patient undergoes strabismus surgery, which involves adjusting the eye muscles to improve alignment.
Recovery: The patient may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising after surgery. They are advised to rest and follow post-operative instructions provided by their ophthalmologist.
Follow-up appointments: The patient attends follow-up appointments to monitor their healing progress and eye alignment.
Vision improvement: Over time, the patient may notice improvements in their eye alignment, vision, and depth perception.
Psychological impact: The patient may experience an improvement in self-esteem and social interactions as a result of the surgery. The negative psychosocial effects of strabismus may be reduced.
Overall, strabismus surgery can significantly improve the quality of life for patients by addressing both functional and psychosocial issues associated with the condition.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about strabismus surgery include:
- What is the success rate of strabismus surgery?
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
- How long is the recovery time after strabismus surgery?
- Will I need to wear an eye patch or use eye drops after the surgery?
- How soon after the surgery will I notice an improvement in my eye alignment?
- Will I need to have more than one surgery to correct my strabismus?
- What are the alternatives to surgery for treating strabismus?
- Will I need to undergo any additional tests or evaluations before the surgery?
- How experienced is the surgeon in performing strabismus surgery?
- What is the expected outcome of the surgery in terms of improving my vision and eye alignment?
Reference
Authors: Hofsli M, Torp-Pedersen T, Lønkvist CS, Saunte JP. Journal: Ugeskr Laeger. 2023 Jan 16;185(3):V07220432. PMID: 36760141