How is Strabismus Surgery Performed?

Strabismus surgery focuses on aligning the eyes correctly by adjusting the muscles around them. Here’s what happens during the procedure:

• Preparation: Children usually get general anaesthesia to sleep through the process without feeling anything. Adults might just need local anaesthesia with some sedation to keep calm.
• Incision: A tiny cut is made on the thin outer layer covering the white part of your eye to reach the muscles.
• Muscle Adjustment: The surgeon will either move a muscle further back (recession) to weaken it or shorten it (resection) to strengthen it for proper alignment.
• Closure: The layer is then closed up without needing any skin stitches.
• Adjustable Suture Technique: Some cases might use special stitches that allow further adjustments even after the surgery if needed.

Eligibility For Strabismus Surgery

Strabismus surgery can be a crucial step towards improved eye health for both children and adults. Here’s a closer look at who might need this procedure:

• Children: If your child is under 18 and diagnosed with strabismus, this surgery might be vital. It helps in restoring normal vision where both eyes work together properly, preventing a condition called amblyopia, which can affect vision development.
• Adults: Adults may need strabismus treatment if they face issues like double vision (diplopia), visual confusion, or want to improve how their eyes work together and their overall well-being. This procedure can also help correct visual field issues or eliminate awkward head postures caused by misaligned eyes.

How To Prepare For Strabismus Surgery?

Getting ready for your strabismus surgery involves a few important steps:

• Stop Certain Medications: You may need to pause some medications, especially those affecting blood clotting.
• Avoid Makeup and Contact Lenses: Make sure not to wear makeup or contact lenses on the surgery day.
• Arrange Post-Operative Care: Have a family member or friend ready to drive you home post-surgery and help you out as needed in the following days.
• Discuss Expectations: Have a chat with your doctor about what you should expect before, during, and after the procedure.

Post-Procedure Care After Strabismus Surgery

After strabismus surgery, recovery is crucial for successful healing. Here’s how you can take care of yourself:

• Rest the Eyes: Give your eyes a break from strenuous activities for a few days.
• Apply Medications as Directed: Doctor will likely prescribe antibiotic drops or ointments—make sure to use them properly.
• Monitor for Complications: Keep an eye out for signs of infection like redness or discharge and contact your doctor if anything seems off.
• Follow-Up Appointments: Don’t miss any scheduled visits to check on your healing progress.
• Avoid Rubbing the Eyes: Try not to touch or rub your eyes to avoid irritation.
• Manage Discomfort: If you experience any pain, use prescribed medication to ease it.
• Return to Activities Gradually: Slowly get back into your normal routine over a few weeks as advised by your doctor.