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Strabismus Surgery

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Learn more about strabismus surgery at King Edward VII’s Hospital

Why would I need strabismus surgery?

 You or your child might require strabismus surgery if yours or their eyes point in different directions.

What symptoms does strabismus surgery address?

 The goal of strabismus surgery is to correct the squint so that both eyes will be pointing in the same direction.

When should you speak to your specialist about strabismus surgery?

 If your child is over 3 months old, and you have noticed that one of their eyes is pointing in a different direction than the other, or if you have noticed this in yourself, you could consider speaking to your specialist about the possibility of you or your child undergoing strabismus surgery.

How is strabismus surgery performed?

Strabismus surgery should take no more than an hour and it is done under a general anaesthetic.

During the procedure, the surgeon will move the eye into the correct position by detaching the connecting muscle and then stitching it back into place.

What is the recovery for strabismus surgery?

The recovery from strabismus surgery can depend on a variety of factors, and you should discuss this with your surgeon.

Strabismus surgery is generally completed as a day case, so you or your child should be able to go home the same day as the operation. The eyes will be sore, red and itchy. The pain can be managed by taking over-the-counter medications.

You or your child will also likely experience double vision, but this should pass within a few weeks.

About a week should be taken off of school or work after the procedure.

You and your surgeon will discuss yours or your child’s plan for recovery and can give you more specific information about what you can expect afterwards prior to your strabismus surgery.

 Are there any risks/complications associated with strabismus surgery?

 As with any medical procedure, it is possible for risks or complications to arise. It is best that you speak with your specialist about how best to avoid any adverse reactions.

Some complications that have been associated with the procedure are:

  • Redness
  • An infection
  • Abscesses
  • Cysts
  • An allergic reaction to stitches
  • Scarring
  • Double vision (sometimes permanently)
  • Pupil dilation
  • A small puncture to the eye
  • The need for further surgery (either because eye muscles have moved from their desired position or the squint has not been fully corrected)
  • Reduced blood supply to the eye
  • Loss of vision

How can I prepare for strabismus surgery?

Prior to your strabismus surgery, you should discuss the preparations you or your child should make with your surgeon, as they can vary depending on the person.

You will be required to come to hospital for a pre-surgery assessment where you or your child will have routine tests carried out and where you will be given more detailed instructions about what you can expect from surgery and how you should prepare.

Are there alternatives for strabismus surgery?

There are some alternatives to strabismus surgery that can be explored, including:

  • Wearing glasses
  • Completing eye exercises
  • Having injections into the eye that weaken the eye muscles
Call 020 7467 4344 or fill in your details below to make an enquiry
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