What is strabismus surgery?
Strabismus surgery loosens or tightens eye muscles, which changes the alignment of the eyes relative to each other.
What kind of anesthesia is used for strabismus surgery?
The type of anesthesia depends on patient age and health as well as patient preference. Most children undergo general anesthesia. Adults may have general anesthesia, conscious sedation or local anesthesia. The procedure is usually performed as an outpatient (patients come in and go home the same day).
How does the surgeon approach the eye muscles?
The eye muscles attach to the sclera (wall of the eye). The muscles are covered by a thin layer of transparent tissue called the conjunctiva. The eyelids are held open by a small instrument called a lid speculum. The surgeon incises the conjunctiva to access the eye muscle(s), and uses a delicate hook to isolate the muscle. No skin incisions are made. The eyeball is NOT removed from the eye socket during strabismus surgery.
What is a recession?
A recession weakens function by altering the attachment site on the eyeball. A suture is placed through the muscle at the attachment site to the eye. The muscle is detached from the surface of the eye and reattached further back from the front of the eye.
What is a resection?
A resection strengthens muscle function by reattaching a muscle to the eyeball at the original insertion site after a portion is removed. A suture is placed through the muscle at the intended new attachment site. The segment of muscle between the suture and the eyeball is removed and the shortened muscle is reattached to the eye.
What is an adjustable suture?
Strabismus surgery involves sewing the eye muscle to the wall of the eye after altering the insertion position and/or the length of the muscle. Standard strabismus surgery (no adjustable suture) utilizes a permanent knot. Adjustable suture technique utilizes a bow-knot or slip-knot (temporary knot) in an accessible position. After surgery the eye alignment can be altered by adjusting the temporary knot. The adjustment is typically done with the patient awake and the operated eye numbed, so adjustable suture surgery generally may only be offered to patients who are able to fully cooperate with the adjustment process.
Are the eyes red after strabismus surgery?
It is normal for the white part of the eyes to be red after surgery. It may take several weeks or occasionally months for the redness to disappear. The eyes are usually scratchy and are sore upon movement. The soreness usually improves after a few days.
Are patches or medicine used after surgery?
A patch is usually placed only if an adjustable suture is used. Some surgeons prescribe an antibiotic or combination antibiotic/steroid drop or ointment after surgery.
Credits: Journal of American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus