STRABISMUS SURGERY IN IRELIA HEALTH
STRABISMUS SURGERY
Strabismus surgery is a medical procedure aimed at correcting strabismus, a condition where the eyes are misaligned, either turning inwards (esotropia), outwards (exotropia), upwards (hypertropia), or downwards (hypotropia). Strabismus can affect both children and adults, leading to issues such as double vision, eye strain, or a lack of depth perception. In some cases, strabismus can also cause amblyopia (lazy eye) if left untreated.
While many cases of strabismus can be managed with glasses, vision therapy, or prisms, surgery is often recommended when non-surgical treatments fail to align the eyes or when the misalignment is severe. Strabismus surgery is designed to restore proper eye alignment and improve both cosmetic appearance and visual function.
How Strabismus Surgery Works:
Strabismus surgery involves adjusting the muscles around the eye to change the way the eye moves. The surgery aims to either weaken or strengthen the muscles responsible for eye movement to correct the alignment of the eyes. The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia, especially in children, but may also be done with local anesthesia and sedation in adults.
The general steps of strabismus surgery are as follows:
-
Preparation: The patient is given anesthesia to ensure comfort during the surgery. The eye or eyes to be treated are cleaned and sterilized to reduce the risk of infection.
-
Accessing the Eye Muscles: A small incision is made in the conjunctiva (the thin tissue that covers the white part of the eye). This allows the surgeon to access the eye muscles.
-
Adjusting the Eye Muscles:
-
Strengthening the muscle: If an eye is misaligned because the muscle is too weak, the surgeon will move the muscle forward on the eye or shorten it to strengthen its action. This allows the eye to move more easily in the desired direction.
-
Weakening the muscle: If the eye is misaligned because the muscle is too strong, the surgeon may move the muscle backward or weaken it by making adjustments that reduce its ability to pull the eye in a certain direction.
-
Closing the Incision: After the muscle adjustments are complete, the surgeon will close the small incision with dissolvable sutures, which do not need to be removed.
-
Post-Operative Care: Following surgery, the patient may need to wear an eye shield for a short period of time to protect the eye. Pain or discomfort is generally minimal, and any swelling or redness usually subsides within a few days.
Types of Strabismus Surgery:
Strabismus surgery can be performed in a variety of ways, depending on the type and severity of the misalignment. The main types of strabismus surgery include:
Recession Surgery:
-
In this procedure, the eye muscle is repositioned farther back on the eye. This weakens the muscle, making it less effective at pulling the eye in its original direction. Recession surgery is typically used when a muscle is too strong or causing the eye to turn too far in one direction.
Resection Surgery:
-
In resection surgery, a portion of the eye muscle is removed and then reattached to the eye. This strengthens the muscle by making it more effective at moving the eye. Resection is typically used when the muscle is too weak to pull the eye in the correct direction.
Tucking or "Plication" Surgery:
-
This technique is used to shorten or adjust the muscle without removing any of its tissue. The surgeon folds the muscle and then secures it in its new position. Tucking is often performed on muscles that need strengthening without the need for resection.
Adjustable Sutures:
-
In some cases, the surgeon may use adjustable sutures, which allow for fine-tuning the eye alignment after the initial surgery. These sutures can be adjusted in the days following surgery to achieve the best possible alignment.
Eligibility for Strabismus Surgery:
Strabismus surgery is typically recommended for individuals who experience the following:
-
Significant eye misalignment: Surgery is often recommended when the eyes are noticeably misaligned and conservative treatments like glasses, vision therapy, or prisms do not provide adequate results.
-
Double vision: Adults who experience double vision due to strabismus may benefit from surgery to realign the eyes and alleviate this symptom.
-
Amblyopia (Lazy Eye): In some cases, children with amblyopia caused by strabismus may benefit from surgery, especially if the misalignment is severe or the condition affects their ability to develop normal vision.
-
Poor depth perception: Strabismus surgery can improve depth perception, which may be particularly important for individuals engaged in activities such as driving or sports.
In children, surgery may be performed as early as age 2 or 3, depending on the severity of the condition. However, the timing of surgery will vary depending on the individual case and the recommendations of the ophthalmologist or pediatric ophthalmologist.
Benefits of Strabismus Surgery:
-
Improved Eye Alignment: The primary benefit of strabismus surgery is the improvement in the alignment of the eyes. This can lead to better visual appearance, increased self-esteem, and reduced social stigma related to misaligned eyes.
-
Elimination of Double Vision: For adults, strabismus surgery can help eliminate or reduce the occurrence of double vision, improving daily activities and overall comfort.
-
Improved Depth Perception: Realigning the eyes can enhance depth perception, which is important for activities such as driving, reading, and sports.
-
Better Eye Health and Function: In some cases, strabismus surgery can help reduce the risk of amblyopia or prevent the development of further visual impairments.
Recovery and Aftercare:
Recovery from strabismus surgery is typically quick, and most patients can return to normal activities within a few days. However, following the surgeon’s post-operative care instructions is crucial for a successful recovery. Some key aspects of aftercare include:
-
Resting the Eyes: Patients should avoid straining their eyes with excessive reading, screen time, or physical activities in the first few days after surgery.
-
Use of Medications: The surgeon may prescribe eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation. Pain relief medications may also be recommended if needed.
-
Eye Shielding: To prevent rubbing or accidental injury to the eye, the patient may need to wear an eye shield while sleeping for the first few days.
-
Follow-up Visits: Regular follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor the healing process and ensure proper eye alignment. These
Contact Us
