Treatment of Strabismus
Strabismus is often treated by surgically adjusting the tension on the eye muscles in the operating room. The goal of surgery is to get the eyes close enough to perfectly straight that it is hard to see any residual deviation to allow the brain the opportunity to use both eye together. Surgery usually improves the conditions, however more than one surgery may be necessary. Surgery usually requires general anesthesia and can be performed as an outpatient. Prisms and glasses are alternatives to surgery in some cases.
Surgery results are optimized when performed at an early age or soon after the condition of misalignment of the eyes develop. Surgery can be performed in age groups ranging from infants to the elderly.
The benefits of surgery in childhood include: the prevention of amblyopia, allowing for the development of binocular vision, expansion of binocular peripheral fields and improved self-esteem. Eventhough some patients may wait many years for their surgery, they can still receive benefit from the surgery which may include the expansion of the binocular visual field, elimination of double vision, increase in binocular function and impoved self esteem. The emotional and occupational benefits from surgery to correct the eyes in adults can be significant ranging from improved self esteem to improved occupational status. Unfotunately, there are some individuals for whom surgery is not indicated.