Strabismus Treatment

By Abdulaziz Ali - Medically reviewed by Prof. Akif Ozdamar, on Sep 15, 2024

What is Strabismus Treatment? 

Strabismus treatment aims to align the eyes properly using glasses, eye exercises, or surgery. Turkey offers all these treatments with the best standards.

Recovery From Eye Surgery 

Immediate Post-Operative Period (Day 1)

Depending on the procedure and the patient's condition, a short hospital stay might be required, usually a few hours to a day.

It's common to experience pain, itching, or a gritty feeling in the eye. Medications will be provided to manage pain and discomfort.

You might experience blurred or double vision, but it improves quickly.

The First Week

It's normal to see some redness or swelling in the eyes, which will gradually reduce over the week. An eye patch might be recommended for the first day or two to protect the eye.

The doctor will prescribe antibiotics and anti-inflammatory eye drops to prevent infections and reduce inflammation.

Avoid strenuous activities, including lifting heavy weights or bending over, should be avoided. 

Weeks 2-4

A post-operative check-up will be scheduled to monitor healing and assess eye alignment. Most daily activities can be resumed, but high-impact exercises, swimming, or activities that risk eye injury should still be avoided.

Depending on the healing progress, continued use of eye drops might be advised.

Beyond Three Months

You will notice improvements in eye alignment soon after surgery; the final results are typically evident after a few months. Some patients might need glasses or other optical aids for optimal vision.

Periodic eye exams are essential to ensure continued good health of the eyes and maintain the results of the surgery.

How is Strabismus Treatment Procedure Performed? 

Pre-operative Preparations

This includes a comprehensive eye examination, an assessment of the degree of misalignment, and other tests to determine the strength and function of the eye muscles.

The ophthalmologist discusses the best approach, potential risks, benefits, and the expected outcome of the surgery with the patient (or the patient's guardian, in the case of children).

Patients are often instructed to fast for a certain period before the surgery and may be advised to stop taking certain medications.

Anesthesia in Eye Surgery

• General Anesthesia: General anesthesia (where the patient is asleep) is administered to children and some adults.
• Local Anesthesia: In some adult cases, local anesthesia accompanied by sedation might be used. This numbs the eye area, but the patient remains conscious.

The Surgical Procedure

• Accessing the Eye Muscles: A small incision is made in the thin layer of tissue covering the white of the eye (the conjunctiva) to access the eye muscles.
• Adjusting the Muscles: Depending on the type and degree of strabismus, one of several approaches may be taken:
• Recession: The eye muscle is detached from its original attachment to the eye and reattached further back, making it effectively "longer" and weakening its pull.
• Resection: A portion of the eye muscle is removed, and the shortened muscle is reattached, making it "shorter" and strengthening its pull.
• Tucking or Plication: The muscle is folded onto itself to make it shorter without detaching it from the eye.
• Transposition: Muscles are moved to a different location to change the direction of their pull, usually done when a specific muscle is not functioning properly.
• Closure: The conjunctiva is stitched back using sutures that typically dissolve over time.

Post-operative Care For Eyes

After the surgery, the eye may be patched for protection. The doctor will prescribe antibiotics and anti-inflammatory eye drops or ointments to prevent infection and reduce swelling.

You will be closely monitored in the recovery room and usually can go home the same day, though they will need someone to drive them.

Strabismus Treatment Surgery Results 

Strabismus treatment has a success rate of 80% - 90%. And you will experience the following health benefit after the surgery: 

• Improved Eye Alignment
• Enhanced Binocular Vision
• Restored Depth Perception
• Improved Field of View
• Reduction or Elimination of Double Vision
• Clearer Vision
• Less Eye Strain
• Reduced Headaches

It's essential to note that while many patients experience significant improvements, individual outcomes can vary based on the severity of strabismus, the specific procedure performed, and the patient's overall health. 

Maintaining realistic expectations is crucial, as staying close to your ophthalmologist and adhering to post-operative care recommendations to achieve the best possible results.

Surgical Complications For Strabismus Treatment

• Infection
• Bleeding or Hemorrhage
• Overcorrection or under correction
• Double Vision (Diplopia)
• Scarring
• Loss of Vision
• Adverse Reaction to Anesthesia
• Muscle Slippage
• Other General Surgical Risks

How to Prepare For Eye Muscle Adjustment Treatment in Turkey 

• Medications: Discuss any regular medicines you take and any that you may need to stop before the surgery.
• Diet: There may be dietary restrictions or fasting requirements before the surgery.
• General Health: Inform the clinic if you have any other health issues or allergies.
• Local Contacts: Keep a list of emergency contacts, including the direct line to your clinic and the local embassy or consulate.
• Personal Contacts: Inform close friends or family about your travel and provide them with your itinerary and contact details.

Considering all the factors, it's no surprise Turkey is a top choice for strabismus treatment. High-quality care, cost-effectiveness, and a beautiful country to explore? That's a win-win-win!

Embarking on a medical journey abroad is a significant decision. 

While Turkey offers world-class medical facilities, thorough planning and preparation are essential. Ensure you're proactive, informed and always prioritize your well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best treatment for strabismus?

The best treatment varies based on strabismus type, severity, and cause. Options include eyeglasses, Prisms in ophthalmology, vision therapy, and surgery.

What is the latest treatment for strabismus?

Innovations in strabismus treatment evolve. Minimally invasive surgical techniques and advanced vision therapy methods have become more popular.

What is the cure rate for strabismus?

The success rate depends on the type and severity of strabismus and the chosen treatment. Surgical intervention is often successful, but some cases might require multiple procedures or additional treatments.

What age is too late for strabismus?

It's never "too late" to treat strabismus. While early intervention, especially in childhood, can yield optimal results if you consult Pediatric Ophthalmology. Also, adults can benefit from functional and cosmetic treatment.

Is strabismus surgery worth it?

For many patients, strabismus surgery greatly improves their quality of life regarding vision and self-confidence. The decision should be made based on individual needs and after consultation with an ophthalmologist.

What is the best age for strabismus surgery?

The optimal age can vary. It's often beneficial for children to intervene early, sometimes even before age 2. However, the decision should be based on individual circumstances and in consultation with an eye specialist.

Can laser surgery fix strabismus?

No, laser surgery (like LASIK) addresses refractive errors but doesn't correct misaligned eye muscles. Strabismus surgery involves adjusting the eye muscles themselves.

How do you fix strabismus without surgery?

Non-surgical strabismus treatments include eyeglasses with or without prisms, vision therapy, eye exercises, or using an eye patch to strengthen the weaker eye.

Is surgery the only way to treat strabismus?

No, surgery is one of several treatment options. Depending on the type and cause of strabismus, non-surgical methods like glasses or vision therapy might be recommended first.

What happens if you don't correct strabismus?

Untreated strabismus can lead to amblyopia (lazy eye), loss of depth perception, double vision, and psychosocial difficulties due to cosmetic concerns. In children, untreated strabismus can lead to lifelong vision problems.