Strabismus is a disease that mostly affects children. Those affected usually suffer from the cosmetic consequences. Strabismus is a serious condition that parents should have treated as early as possible. This is why doctors often perform strabismus surgery. Strabismus surgery, as well as other treatment methods, can certainly be successful, provided that treatment is started in good time.
Strabismus can lead to emotional stress for those affected. Doctors therefore often recommend strabismus surgery for such patients.
It is an option if the strabismus angle is so large that pain-free vision is not possible in both eyes. Or if the prescription glasses and occlusion treatments are not sufficient.
Latent strabismus, which is a slight misalignment of the eyes, can be compensated for by the brain. In many children, however, strabismus surgery is necessary.
However, doctors wait until the child is wearing glasses reliably and can see equally well with both eyes. If children start squinting late, doctors quickly initiate strabismus surgery.
Strabismus that has existed since childhood but only becomes apparent in adulthood can hardly be corrected.
Strabismus surgery on the eye then only serves cosmetic purposes. Paralytic strabismus occurs rather rarely in childhood. Here too, doctors often recommend strabismus surgery after determining the causes.
Before strabismus surgery on the eye, the doctor measures the extent of the squint angle in various directions. He also analyzes the mobility of the eyes and the ability of binocular vision.
The prism test determines the eye to be operated on and how the eye muscles are to be strengthened or weakened.
If the patient receives a general anesthetic, they should not eat or drink any liquids six hours beforehand. They should also not drink any clear liquids two hours before the anesthetic.
Furthermore, the patient should not smoke on the day of the strabismus operation and, if possible, refrain from taking medication. In any case, the patient should discuss the use of medication with the anesthetist on the day of the strabismus operation.
The aim of every strabismus operation is to change the position of the eyeball so that double vision no longer occurs. The cosmetic problem of the eyes appearing twisted should also no longer exist afterwards.
Doctors achieve this by surgically correcting the outer eye muscles. Each eye has six muscles on the sides of the eyeball to steer it in different directions. During strabismus surgery, the surgeon tries to make the eyes parallel by moving or shortening certain muscles.
However, it is not possible to move the muscles indefinitely, which is why it is sometimes necessary to perform several procedures. Strabismus surgery may also be necessary on the healthy eye in order to align both eyes.
The outer muscles of the left eye
During the operation, the surgeon opens the conjunctiva to create access to the outside of the eyeball. This is where the eye muscles are located. He then shortens or repositions muscles, depending on the type of strabismus, to restore balance.
Strabismus surgery only corrects the misalignment of the eyes, but not the visual impairment. Furthermore, strabismus surgery does not always improve spatial vision. Some patients have to repeat strabismus surgery if the result is inadequate.
In children, strabismus surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia. Local anesthesia is sufficient for adults. Strabismus surgery is performed on the outer eye, so it is not necessary to remove or open the eye.
After strabismus surgery, the patient remains under medical observation for some time. This also applies to outpatient strabismus surgery. As soon as the doctor gives his approval and the patient feels well, he can go home.
It is generally not advisable to drive on the day of strabismus surgery . The patient should be picked up by friends or acquaintances. If this is not possible, the patient can also take a cab home. For the time afterwards, the ophthalmologist will prescribe drops and ointments, which should be applied exactly as prescribed.
After strabismus surgery, the eye is usually slightly reddened and may itch a little . The latter may be caused by the conjunctival stitches. In some cases, double vision may occur after strabismus surgery, which only lasts for a few days.
The patient remains on sick leave for at least two weeks after strabismus surgery . Heavy physical exertion or sport should be avoided during the initial period . The patient should refrain from going to the swimming pool or sauna for at least a week .
Strabismus surgery can improve the misalignment of the eye muscles and the cosmetic problem. In certain cases, it is even possible to regain binocular spatial vision.
Squint surgery is generally low-risk for the eyesight . Complications such as post-operative bleeding and inflammation are rare . The doctor should explain these risks in advance of the operation.
However, strabismus surgery is not completely risk-free . A confluence of unfortunate circumstances can result in serious damage to health:
Further medical treatment is necessary after strabismus surgery. The patient cannot do without wearing glasses.
Although strabismus surgery is usually performed without any problems, the treating doctor should check beforehand whether strabismus surgery is necessary.
Strabismus surgery does not require the eye to be removed or cut open @ elenavolf /AdobeStock
Which treatment is suitable for strabismus depends on the respective form of the disease. Strabismus surgery on the eye is never completely without risk.
One treatment option that does not last long, however, is treatment with the neurotoxin botulinum toxin. Medication containing botulinum toxin is suitable for strabismus. However, the patient must repeat the treatment at regular intervals.
Botulinum toxin can cause paralysis of the facial muscles, but this does not last long and disappears after a few months. Botulinum toxin should not be used in children, as doctors inject it directly into the eye muscles.
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