What is strabismus surgery?
Strabismus, also known as “crossed-eyes” occurs when the two eyes are unable to achieve proper alignment to focus on an object. One eye is generally able to look directly at the object, while the other eye turns in a different direction .
How effective is strabismus surgery?
Strabismus surgery is effective 80-90 percent of the time. Some patients, depending on their age and type of strabismus, will require multiple procedures for optimal results .
What is a strabismus recession procedure?
A recession is used when the muscle is too tight. This procedure involves relocating the muscle to a different area— detaching the affected extraocular muscle from the eye and reattaching it farther back on the eye. By altering its position, the muscle is weakened, leading to improved alignment .
What is an adjustable suture procedure?
This procedure is performed following a recession or resection procedure in which adjustable sutures were used. During this procedure, the surgeon adjusts the sutures that hold the extraocular muscles in place, and either tightens or loosens them to improve the surgical results and achieve optimal alignment. This surgery is generally only performed in adults, as the patient remains awake during the procedure with only a local anesthetic. For children with strabismus, a regular suture is typically used. All sutures will dissolve on their own within about six weeks.
What to expect after strabismus surgery?
After strabismus surgery, your eyes will look red and feel sore. Some people experience a foreign body sensation in which they feel like something is stuck in their eye. This is due to the sutures and will disappear as the sutures dissolve in the next six weeks. You may notice blood in the inside or outside corner of your eye, in the surgical area— this is normal and will subside within two to three weeks. Other symptoms you may experience in the first few days after surgery include :
Many eye doctors will prescribe an antibiotic eye drop
or ointment to be used for a few days post-surgery— be sure to use your
medication as directed by your doctor to avoid post-surgical
complications.
For the first few days following surgery, expect to be off your feet
and resting. Your doctor will let you know when it is safe to resume
normal activities— usually within a few days post-surgery.
Caution: Avoid saunas, hot tubs, and swimming pools for three weeks after surgery to reduce your risk of infection.
