Our Summary

This research paper is about the effect of strabismus surgery, a procedure that corrects a misalignment of the eyes. The study found that if the surgery is done before the eyes have fully developed, it can improve or restore the ability to use both eyes together (binocularity). If the surgery is performed after the eyes have fully developed, the benefits depend on whether the misalignment began before or after full eye development.

Patients who developed strabismus after their eyes fully developed typically experience double vision (diplopia). The success rate of eliminating this double vision through surgery is generally high, though it does depend on the specific type of strabismus.

The research also challenges the common belief that surgery for adult patients whose strabismus started before their eyes fully developed is only for cosmetic purposes. Many studies show that even in these cases, surgery can improve binocular function. In particular, patients with inward-turning eyes (esotropic patients) usually experience an expansion of their binocular visual fields, and some may regain depth perception (stereopsis).

The paper also highlights the significant psychosocial benefits of strabismus surgery for adults. For example, many adults with strabismus would give up a part of their remaining life to get rid of their eye misalignment.

FAQs

  1. What are the potential benefits of strabismus surgery performed prior to visual maturity?
  2. Can strabismus surgery performed in adults, who had the onset of the condition prior to visual maturity, be merely cosmetic?
  3. What are some of the psychosocial benefits of adult strabismus surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about strabismus surgery is to have realistic expectations. While surgery can improve the alignment of the eyes and potentially restore binocular vision, it may not always completely eliminate all symptoms such as double vision. It is important for patients to understand that the goal of surgery is to improve visual function and alignment, but complete perfection may not always be achievable. Additionally, patients should follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure the best possible outcome.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for strabismus surgery include those who have onset of strabismus before visual maturity, as well as those who develop strabismus after visual maturity and are experiencing diplopia. Surgery can result in the development or recovery of binocularity, as well as an expansion of binocular visual fields and potential regaining of stereopsis in esotropic patients. Additionally, there are many psychosocial benefits to adult strabismus surgery, as reflected in the finding that the majority of adults with strabismus would trade a portion of their life expectancy to be rid of their strabismus.

Timeline

Before strabismus surgery:

  • Patient may experience symptoms such as double vision, eye misalignment, and difficulty focusing
  • Patient undergoes a comprehensive eye exam to determine the severity and type of strabismus
  • Patient discusses treatment options with their ophthalmologist, including the possibility of surgery
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations, such as measuring eye alignment and visual acuity
  • Patient may undergo vision therapy or use corrective lenses to improve eye alignment and coordination

After strabismus surgery:

  • Patient undergoes the surgical procedure to correct the misalignment of the eyes
  • Patient may experience temporary discomfort, swelling, and redness in the eyes following surgery
  • Patient is monitored closely by their ophthalmologist in the days and weeks following surgery
  • Patient may need to wear an eye patch or use eye drops as part of their post-operative care
  • Patient may experience improved eye alignment, reduced symptoms of double vision, and improved depth perception
  • Patient may undergo post-operative vision therapy to strengthen eye muscles and improve coordination
  • Patient may experience improved self-esteem and quality of life as a result of the surgery, with many patients reporting psychosocial benefits

Overall, the timeline of a patient’s experience before and after strabismus surgery involves a comprehensive evaluation, discussion of treatment options, surgical procedure, post-operative care, and potential improvements in eye alignment and visual function.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications of strabismus surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery period after strabismus surgery?
  3. What are the expected outcomes of the surgery in terms of alignment and binocular vision?
  4. Will additional treatments or therapies be necessary after the surgery?
  5. How experienced are you in performing strabismus surgery?
  6. Are there alternative treatment options to surgery that should be considered?
  7. How many surgeries may be needed to achieve the desired outcome?
  8. What is the success rate of strabismus surgery in adults with longstanding strabismus?
  9. How will strabismus surgery affect my daily activities and quality of life?
  10. Are there any long-term effects of strabismus surgery that I should be aware of?

Reference

Authors: Kushner BJ. Journal: J Binocul Vis Ocul Motil. 2018 Apr-Jun;68(2):59-62. doi: 10.1080/2576117X.2018.1460972. Epub 2018 Apr 18. PMID: 30196758