Strabismus Surgery
Treatment of strabismus may include patching of one eye (if amblyopia is present), glasses, or strabismus surgery to realign the eyes. It is important to understand that strabismus surgery does not help amblyopia (poor vision), and that this can only be corrected with patching and/or glasses. In some cases, realignment of the eyes occurs with proper prescription eyeglasses.
However, the majority of children with strabismus will eventually require strabismus surgery to better align the eyes.
Surgery for strabismus in adults aims at restoring alignment, eliminating diplopia, double vision, enabling sensory fusion making the two images you see become a single image. Surgery for strabismus in adults is carried out with minimal risks and a high rate of success.
Potential risks:
- diplopia (double vision)
- overcorrection or undercorrection which may require a reoperation
Benefits include:
- Elimination of diplopia if it had occurred preoperatively
- restoration or acquisition of sensory fusion
- expansion of binocular visual fields
- restoration of alignment; and improved psychosocial functioning
This list of benefits provides evidence that surgery for adult strabismus reaches beyond the cosmetic goal (restored alignment).
| Incision line for strabismus surgery |
Incision made to allow surgeon to find muscle |
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| Eye muscle isolated |
Suture placed in muscle before it is cut |
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| Eye muscle is cut |
Eye muscle is repositioned |
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| Knot is tied |
Position of muscle compared before & after |
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>> To Learn About Adult Strabismus
Strabismus (eye muscle) Surgery Pre-operative Instructions
Do not take any aspirin, aspirin containing medicines, or anti-inflammatory medications for two weeks prior to surgery (including Motrin and Naprosyn). These drugs cause bleeding that may result in blindness. Only Tylenol is okay.
- Do not use Vitamin E or C supplements or any other herbal remedies for two weeks prior to surgery. Please see the complete list of medicines that contain aspirin. Download Medications to Avoid
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight on the day before surgery.
- Do not wear eye make-up on the morning of surgery.
- Purchase two 16-ounce bags of frozen peas or corn to use rather than ice cube (During the first 24 hours following surgery you will need to apply ice to your eyelids at least 20 minutes each hour while awake).
Strabismus Surgery Post-operative Instructions
- During the first 24 hours following surgery apply ice to your eyelids at least 20 minutes each hour while awake.
- You may eat or drink just the way you did before your operation.
- You may also resume taking your usual dose of medication prescribed to you by your family doctor before the operation EXCEPT ASPIRIN. You may resume your aspirin 3 DAYS AFTER surgery.
- It is not uncommon to see double after surgery, do not patch your eyes. Try to use the eyes together and make the image single whenever possible.
- Additional eye muscle surgery or prisms in your glasses may be required if the initial surgery does not relieve your double vision.
FOR THE FASTEST POSSIBLE HEALING:
- RELAX: do not bend, stoop, lift, or exert yourself for seven days after surgery. Do not swim for two weeks following surgery. Do not do any aerobic activity, e.g. running for two weeks following surgery. No sexual activity for two weeks.
- Do not take aspirin or aspirin-like products (Motrin, Advil, Alka selzer, Excedrin) for three days following surgery.
- Use Tobradex eye drops twice a day for seven days and then once a day for seven days and then stop the drops.
- Your sutures will dissolve during the first two post-operative months. They do NOT need to be removed.
A minimal ache is common, especially when moving the eyes. Use Tylenol as directed and ice for relief. Moderate-to-severe pain is not common and you should call the office immediately.
WARNING SIGNS
- Increasing redness, pain or swelling
- Bleeding
- Moderate to severe pain
- Change in your vision
IF YOU HAVE ANY OF THESE WARNING SIGNS OR IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICE IMMEDIATELY (650) 559-9150. If severe, proceed to Stanford University emergency room.
Download Strabismus Operative Instructions
Before & After Photo
