Can Eye Surgery Correct Strabismus?

Summary

In this video, Melissa Daniels discusses strabismus surgery as one of the most common treatments for misaligned eyes. She explains that the surgery may not achieve perfect alignment but can improve cosmetic appearance significantly. The success rate for the procedure ranges from 70-80%, depending on factors like age and duration of strabismus. While surgery can help with eye alignment and double vision, it does not typically correct depth perception or stereopsis. Melissa also shares her personal experience with combining surgery and vision therapy, noting that different solutions work for different people.

Takeaways

• 😀 Strabismus is when the eyes do not align properly, and surgery can be one of the most common treatments to address it.
• 😀 Strabismus surgery aims to align the eyes, but perfect alignment is not always the goal. A 70-80% success rate is considered good in most cases.
• 😀 Even with surgery, achieving perfect alignment or stereopsis (depth perception) is rare, especially for adults.
• 😀 The success of surgery varies based on factors like age, the duration of strabismus, and the individual’s specific condition.
• 😀 In some cases, surgery can make a noticeable cosmetic improvement, but it may not eliminate the underlying vision problems.
• 😀 Strabismus surgery typically corrects cosmetic appearance by bringing eyes closer to alignment, but depth perception or stereopsis may not be corrected.
• 😀 For individuals struggling with double vision, surgery may improve the condition, but results can vary depending on the duration and frequency of double vision.
• 😀 Prisms in glasses are often used before surgery to determine if double vision can be corrected non-surgically, and they help guide the surgeon's decision.
• 😀 Intermittent eye turns (where the misalignment occurs only sometimes) are easier to treat with vision therapy and surgery compared to constant misalignment.
• 😀 Surgery is a more invasive option and may be combined with other treatments like vision therapy to achieve better results for some patients.

Q & A

What is strabismus and how does it affect the eyes?

Strabismus is a condition where the eyes are not aligned and do not point in the same direction. This can affect vision and depth perception, and in some cases, cause cosmetic issues with the appearance of the eyes.

What is the goal of strabismus surgery?

The goal of strabismus surgery is typically to improve the cosmetic alignment of the eyes, bringing them closer to being straight. Perfect alignment isn't always the target, but the surgery aims to reduce misalignment to within 10 to 15 diopters.

Can strabismus surgery achieve perfect eye alignment?

No, strabismus surgery doesn't always achieve perfect eye alignment. The surgery aims to improve alignment, but achieving full alignment may not be possible for everyone. The success rate is typically about 70-80%, depending on various factors such as age and how long the person has had strabismus.

What is considered a 'successful' outcome of strabismus surgery?

A successful outcome is when the eyes are brought closer to alignment, usually within 10-15 diopters. While perfect alignment is not always achieved, a significant improvement in appearance and functionality is often considered a success.

Can strabismus surgery help with depth perception and stereopsis?

Strabismus surgery rarely restores stereopsis or depth perception, especially for adults. In children, surgery can sometimes help with these issues due to the brain's developmental plasticity, but for adults, it is unlikely to restore full stereopsis.

How effective is strabismus surgery for correcting double vision?

Strabismus surgery can correct double vision in about 70-90% of cases, depending on factors such as age, the duration of double vision, and whether it is constant or intermittent. People with intermittent double vision generally experience better results.

How does prism testing help determine if surgery will correct double vision?

Prism testing involves using a prism to see if the eyes can align properly while wearing it. This helps the surgeon determine if the brain will accept the new alignment and use both eyes together, giving insight into whether surgery will help correct double vision.

What role does vision therapy play in treating strabismus?

Vision therapy can be an effective treatment for strabismus, especially for people with intermittent eye turns. Some individuals can improve their eye alignment and visual function without surgery by using vision therapy alone. For others, combining vision therapy with surgery may lead to better outcomes.

Is strabismus surgery a permanent solution?

Strabismus surgery is not always a permanent solution, as the alignment of the eyes may shift over time. However, many people experience long-term improvements after surgery. The outcome can vary depending on factors such as age, the severity of the condition, and any underlying vision issues.

What factors influence the success rate of strabismus surgery?

The success rate of strabismus surgery is influenced by factors such as the patient's age, how long they have had strabismus, the severity of their condition, the presence of other vision problems, and whether they follow up with additional treatments like vision therapy.