Our Summary

This research study looked at the types of eye surgeries for strabismus (a condition where the eyes don’t line up in the same direction) performed at a major hospital in Central China during the three years of the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers reviewed the medical records of over 3,900 patients who had this type of surgery between 2020 and 2022. They found that the number of surgeries dropped significantly in certain months of each year, likely due to the pandemic. Most of the patients were children aged 0-6 years. The most common type of strabismus was exotropia, where one or both eyes turn outward. The most common variation of this was intermittent exotropia, where the eye turn happens some of the time. The most common subtype was due to insufficient convergence, meaning the eyes have trouble working together to focus on an object. The researchers also found that more surgeries were performed on patients aged 7-12 during the summer months. The overall number of surgeries did not change much across the three years.

FAQs

  1. What was the most common type of strabismus found in the patients reviewed in the study?
  2. Did the number of strabismus surgeries fluctuate during the COVID-19 pandemic?
  3. Was there a specific age group that had more strabismus surgeries during the summer months in the study?

Doctor’s Tip

After strabismus surgery, it is important to follow your doctor’s post-operative instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and alignment of your eyes. This may include using prescribed eye drops, wearing an eye patch, and avoiding strenuous activities. Be sure to attend all follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and address any concerns. Remember that recovery time varies for each individual, so be patient and allow your eyes time to adjust. If you experience any unusual symptoms or changes in vision, contact your doctor immediately.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended strabismus surgery include:

  1. Children aged 0-6 years: The study found that the majority of patients undergoing strabismus surgery were in this age group, likely due to the early detection and treatment of the condition in childhood.

  2. Patients with exotropia: Exotropia, where one or both eyes turn outward, was the most common type of strabismus observed in the study. This condition can be corrected through surgery to improve eye alignment and visual function.

  3. Patients with intermittent exotropia: This subtype of exotropia, where the eye turn happens some of the time, was the most common variation observed in the study. Surgery may be recommended to correct the eye alignment and prevent further visual problems.

  4. Patients with insufficient convergence: Insufficient convergence, where the eyes have trouble working together to focus on an object, was the most common subtype of strabismus observed in the study. Surgery may be recommended to improve eye coordination and alignment.

  5. Patients aged 7-12 years: The study found that more surgeries were performed on patients in this age group during the summer months. Surgery may be recommended for older children to improve eye alignment and visual function.

Overall, strabismus surgery may be recommended for patients of all ages who have misaligned eyes that are affecting their vision and quality of life. It is important to consult with an ophthalmologist or eye surgeon to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for each individual patient.

Timeline

Before strabismus surgery:

  1. Patient notices misalignment of the eyes, leading to symptoms such as double vision, eye strain, or difficulty focusing.
  2. Patient consults with an ophthalmologist or strabismus specialist for a comprehensive eye examination and diagnosis.
  3. Treatment options such as vision therapy, eyeglasses, or eye patching may be recommended first before considering surgery.
  4. Pre-operative evaluations, including measurements of eye alignment and visual acuity, are conducted to determine the appropriate surgical approach.

After strabismus surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes strabismus surgery, which may involve adjusting the muscles around the eyes to correct alignment.
  2. Post-operative care includes monitoring for any complications, such as infection or excessive swelling.
  3. Patient may experience temporary discomfort, redness, or swelling in the eyes following surgery.
  4. Vision may initially be blurry or double as the eyes adjust to the new alignment.
  5. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon are scheduled to assess the outcome of the surgery and make any necessary adjustments.
  6. Patient may undergo vision therapy or other rehabilitation exercises to help improve eye coordination and alignment in the long term.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with strabismus surgery?
  2. How successful is strabismus surgery in correcting eye misalignment?
  3. What is the recovery process like after strabismus surgery?
  4. How long will it take for me to see improvement in my eye alignment after surgery?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that I should consider before opting for surgery?
  6. Will I need follow-up appointments or additional treatments after the surgery?
  7. How experienced are you in performing strabismus surgery?
  8. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  9. Can you provide me with information on the specific type of strabismus surgery recommended for my condition?
  10. Are there any specific pre-operative instructions or precautions that I should be aware of before the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Lang L, Guo K, Zhang L, Zhang J, Liu Y, Rong J, Xu L, Li Z. Journal: BMC Ophthalmol. 2024 Feb 14;24(1):67. doi: 10.1186/s12886-024-03327-7. PMID: 38355433