Strabismus Surgery: An Overview of the Process

Strabismus, or crossed eyes, is not a very common condition. However, the number of people who have it has increased in recent years. This has also led to more surgeries being performed to correct the disorder.

Have you been diagnosed with strabismus and recommended to go have surgery to correct it? Are you getting anxious about it?

Don’t be. We’re here to spell it out for you and lay everything out about strabismus surgery so you can feel more relaxed and safe while going through the procedure.

Are you ready? Let’s begin. 

Defining Strabismus Surgery

Strabismus surgery is a type of eye surgery performed to correct the alignment of the eyes. It is usually recommended if glasses or other treatments haven’t worked.

The goal is to improve your ability to see clearly and comfortably.

The Surgery Process

An ophthalmologist performs strabismus surgery. They are a type of surgeon who specializes in eye care, and the surgery typically takes place in an outpatient setting.

The first step of the surgery is to administer a local anesthetic to the area around the eye. Once the patient is numb, the surgeon will make a small incision in the skin near the eye and then gently separate the muscles that control eye movement.

The surgeon will then realign the muscles and sew them into place. The final step of the surgery is to close the incision with sutures.

Most patients report feeling very little pain during and after the surgery, and vision typically improves within a few days. 

Post-Operative Instructions  

Needless to say, it is important to follow all of the surgeon’s postoperative instructions in order to ensure a successful outcome. After your surgery, you will usually be observed in the surgical suite for a short period of time.

Before your discharge, your doctor will provide post-operative instructions. For example, you will be told to avoid rubbing your eye or eyes, use ice packs, maintain good hygiene, take medications as prescribed, and just take better care of your eyes in general. 

Benefits of Strabismus Surgery

Strabismus surgery can offer you several benefits. Aside from correcting your eye disorder, it can also improve your vision and self-esteem. It can even prevent amblyopia or lazy eye.

The success rate for strabismus surgery is generally high, but it is important to consult with an experienced doctor to ensure the best possible outcome.

Risks of Strabismus Surgery

As with any surgery, there are risks to strabismus surgery. Thankfully, though, they are rare and very well controlled. For example, some patients may report bleeding, infection, and damage to the eye or surrounding structures.

In extremely rare cases, the surgery can cause blindness. In order to control the risks, it is important to choose a qualified surgeon who is experienced in performing this type of surgery. 

You can also check out more information here to know which professional is right for the job.

Strabismus Surgery for the Informed Patient

If you need to undergo strabismus surgery, this article should help ease your doubts about the procedure. After all, the more you know about the process, the more confident you will be confronting it.

Besides, there is almost nothing that science has not perfected these days. As long as you choose your surgeon well, you can rest assured that they will know exactly what they’re doing come your surgery time. 

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