Eye Muscle Surgery

DIAGNOSIS

Medical History and Ocular Examination:

The ophthalmologist will gather information about your medical history, past eye problems, and current symptoms. A thorough eye examination will be conducted to assess your eye alignment, muscle function, and overall eye health. This may involve:

• Visual acuity testing to measure how well you see at different distances.

• Cover test to assess eye movement and coordination.

• Slit-lamp examination to examine the front part of the eye in detail.

• Retinal exam to evaluate the health of the back of the eye.

• Imaging tests like CT scans or MRI scans in complex cases.

CAUSES/RISK FACTORS

Several factors can increase your risk of strabismus, including:

• Family history of strabismus

• Certain medical conditions like muscular dystrophy or Down syndrome

• Premature birth

• Farsightedness or nearsightedness

• Cataracts

• Eye injury

PREPARING FOR SURGERY

• Pre-operative Consultation: Discuss the surgery details with your ophthalmologist, including the risks, benefits, and recovery process. Ask any questions you may have.

• Medical Clearance: You may need clearance from your primary care physician if you have any underlying health conditions.

• Fasting Instructions: Depending on the type of anesthesia used, you may be instructed to fast for several hours before surgery.

• Medication Adjustments: Certain medications may need to be stopped or adjusted before surgery.

• Transportation: Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery if you receive sedation or general anesthesia.

TREATMENT DETAILS

Types

Strabismus surgery involves weakening or strengthening specific eye muscles to improve eye alignment. The type of surgery will depend on the severity and type of strabismus. Here are some common surgical approaches:

• Recession: A muscle is weakened by detaching it slightly from its insertion point and reattaching it further back.

• Resection: A muscle is shortened and tightened by removing a small portion of the muscle tissue.

• Adjustable Sutures: Adjustable sutures are placed on the muscles, allowing for fine-tuning of the eye alignment after surgery.

RECOVERY

• Post-operative Care: Follow your ophthalmologist's instructions regarding pain medication, eye drops, activity restrictions, and follow-up appointments.

• Vision Changes: You may experience blurry vision or double vision for a short time after surgery.

• Bruising and Discomfort: Some bruising and discomfort around the eye are normal after surgery and usually improve within a few days.

• Eye Patch: You may need to wear an eye patch for a short period to promote healing.