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Strabismus surgery
What does strabismus surgery involve?
Strabismus surgery acts on one or more of the six extraocular muscles that surround the eyes and control their movement to correct the loss of parallelism between them or eye deviation. Thus, in order to restore correct gaze alignment, our specialist surgeons strengthen, weaken or reposition these muscles as appropriate in each case.
It is not cosmetic surgery, but it also has a functional goal, as it allows us to correct double vision, widens the visual field and restores binocular vision or stereopsis capacity (coordination to merge the images of both eyes and create a single three-dimensional image). Furthermore, solving strabismus also avoids a stiff neck and has an impact on better self-esteem and relationships, thus eliminating insecurities associated with eye deviation.
Eye diseases treated
There is a false myth that strabismus cannot be corrected in adults and, although it is a very common surgery in children, we can perform it at any age with highly effective results and a very positive impact on quality of life.
Recovery
Whereas we use general anaesthesia in the case of children, strabismus surgery in adults is performed under local anaesthesia and sedation. After going back home on the same day you had your surgery, you may notice slight discomfort, such as tightness, punctures or blurred vision, which usually do not last more than a week. We will indicate the treatment and postoperative guidelines to follow and, except for some precautions (for example, avoid bathing, making sudden efforts or putting on make-up during the first month), you will soon be able to resume your daily activities.
You will notice the change in your eye alignment from the onset, although the results will consolidate during the first month.
Risks
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Strabismus surgery can also be performed in adults and aims to improve eye alignment and, where possible, binocular function. Whether it is indicated and the expected result depend on each patient’s characteristics and the cause of the strabismus.
Strabismus surgery involves modifying the position or action of certain muscles that control eye movements to improve eye alignment. The procedure is planned individually according to the type and degree of the turn.
The length of the surgery depends on the type of strabismus, the number of muscles that need to be treated and each patient’s characteristics. The specialist can give an estimated time after assessing the case.
Anesthesia is used during surgery to prevent pain. After the procedure, discomfort, a foreign body sensation, watering or eye redness may occur for a variable period.
Yes. Although surgery aims to improve eye alignment, in some patients a new turn may occur over time or additional adjustments may be needed. The result depends on multiple individual factors.
Depending on the type and degree of the turn, surgery can be performed on one or more muscles of one or both eyes. The decision is made after studying eye alignment and movement.
After surgery, it is common to have redness, watering or eye discomfort during the first few days. Progress and recovery time vary depending on the patient and the type of procedure performed.
When a child can go back to school depends on their progress and the specialist’s instructions. In general, it is recommended to follow the recovery guidelines and avoid, for the indicated period, certain activities that could increase the risk of knocks or infections.
How long to wait before playing sport depends on the type of activity and progress after surgery. The ophthalmologist will tell you when it is safe to resume each activity.