Strabismus Surgery

Strabismus is a common eye condition in which the eyes do not work together to view objects and are not lined up in the same direction. Commonly known as crossed eyes, this condition occurs most commonly in young children, although adults can suffer from it as well. If left untreated, strabismus can lead to visual impairment, loss of binocular vision and blindness in the weaker eye. Early treatment is most effective, so it is important for parents to have their child’s eyes examined at the first sign of problems.

In patients with strabismus, the eyes do not move together and may appear crossed, with one eye looking up, down or outward from where the other is focused. Patients with this condition may also experience a loss of depth perception, double vision or general vision loss. These symptoms may progress if the condition remains untreated. Many patients develop a loss of vision in their weaker eye, a condition known as amblyopia or lazy eye. This condition occurs in about one-third of children with strabismus.

Cause of Strabismus

For most patients with strabismus, the cause of the condition is unknown. It may be present at birth, known as congenital strabismus, result from a lack of muscle control, or be associated with other conditions, such as:

• Graves’ disease
• Brain and nerve disorders
• Diabetes
• Retinal damage
• Eye injuries
• Hemangioma in the eye

Strabismus may also be linked to hereditary factors, and is more common in those with farsightedness. Many newborns have crossed eyes before their vision develops, but this tends to disappear as the child grows.

Diagnosis of Strabismus

Strabismus can often be diagnosed through a physical examination of the eye, as well as tests such as corneal light reflex, cover/uncover test, retinal exam and a visual acuity test. For some patients, examination of the brain and nervous system may be performed to further evaluate the cause of the condition.

Treatment of Strabismus

Treatment for strabismus usually begins with prescribing glasses for the patient if needed to help achieve clear vision. If loss of vision caused by amblyopia is present, it should be treated first through the use of an eye patch that will be placed over the stronger eye. This encourages use of the weaker eye to equalize vision strength. Your doctor may also recommend eye muscle exercises that aim to keep the eyes straight, which is most often used for adult patients.

For patients whose eyes still do not move correctly after these conservative treatments, eye muscle surgery may be needed. This procedure is customized for each patient’s individual needs, and involves making certain muscles within the eye stronger or weaker in order to correct strabismus. It is important to note that repair surgery does not correct poor vision caused by a lazy eye, and as a result, some patients may still need to wear glasses after this procedure. However, the eyes will appear straight and relieve any cosmetic concerns caused by this condition. The results of muscle repair surgery tend to be most effective when performed at a younger age. Early surgery will also help ensure that the child’s growth and development are not affected by this condition.

Your doctor will determine which treatment approach is best for you or your child in order to correct strabismus and/or lazy eye and achieve strong, clear vision.