Eye Deflection Surgery

Deflection of the eye, often referred to as “Strabismus”, is a condition where the eyes do not properly align with each other when looking at an object.

Strabismus surgery aims to correct this misalignment by adjusting the muscles around the eyes. This procedure can be performed on children and adults and can significantly improve both appearance and vision. 

Here’s a detailed overview:

Types of Strabismus

• Esotropia: One or both eyes turn inward.

• Exotropia: One or both eyes turn outward.

• Hypertropia: One eye turns upward.

• Hypotropia: One eye turns downward.

Indications for Strabismus Surgery

• Cosmetic Improvement: To make the eyes appear straight.
• Binocular Vision: To improve coordination between the two eyes.
• Depth Perception: To enhance stereopsis (three-dimensional vision).
• Symptom Relief: To reduce symptoms like double vision (diplopia), eye strain, or abnormal head positioning.

Pre-Surgery Preparation

1. Consultation:
   • Comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist or strabismus specialist.
   • Discussion of medical history, including any previous surgeries, medications, and underlying conditions.
   • Measurements of eye alignment and assessment of eye muscle function.
2. Pre-Operative Instructions:
   • Avoidance of certain medications that can increase bleeding (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen).
   • Fasting if general anesthesia is to be used.

The Surgery Procedure

1. Anesthesia:
   • General anesthesia is commonly used, especially in children.
   • Local anesthesia with sedation may be an option for adults.
2. Incision:
   • Small incisions are made in the conjunctiva (the clear tissue covering the white part of the eye) to access the eye muscles.
3. Muscle Adjustment:
   • The eye muscles are either strengthened, weakened, or repositioned to achieve proper alignment.
   • Resection: A portion of the muscle is removed to shorten and strengthen it.
   • Recession: The muscle is detached and reattached further back on the eye to weaken it.
   • Plication: The muscle is folded and sutured to itself to shorten and strengthen it without removing any part.
   • Adjustable Sutures: In some cases, sutures are left adjustable to fine-tune the alignment post-surgery.
4. Closure:
   • The incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures, and no bandages are typically required.

Post-Surgery Care

1. Immediate Recovery:
   • Expect some redness, swelling, and mild discomfort.
   • Use of cold compresses and prescribed medications (antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops) to manage symptoms.
2. Post-Operative Instructions:
   • Avoiding strenuous activities, swimming, and rubbing the eyes for a few weeks.
   • Following specific eye care instructions provided by the surgeon.
   • Using prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
3. Follow-Up:
   • Regular follow-up visits to monitor healing and assess the success of the surgery.
   • Glasses or additional treatment (e.g., vision therapy) might be needed to achieve the best visual outcome.

Potential Risks and Complications

• Infection and bleeding
• Overcorrection or undercorrection: The eyes may turn too much or too little, sometimes requiring additional surgery.
• Double Vision: Temporary or, in rare cases, persistent double vision.
• Scarring: Minimal but possible.
• Anesthesia risks

Benefits of Strabismus Surgery

• Improved Eye Alignment: Enhanced cosmetic appearance and eye coordination.
• Better Binocular Vision: Improved depth perception and visual field.
• Symptom Relief: Reduction or elimination of symptoms like double vision, eye strain, and abnormal head posture.
• Increased Confidence: Improved self-esteem and social interaction due to better eye appearance.

Conclusion

“Strabismus Surgery” is a highly effective procedure for correcting eye misalignment. It requires a thorough preoperative evaluation and careful planning by an experienced ophthalmologist. SHIFA will help you follow pre- and post-operative care instructions for a smooth recovery and optimal results. Regular follow-up is essential to monitor healing and ensure the success of the surgery.