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Strabismus Surgery
Strabismus surgery, or strabismus surgery, is a surgical procedure performed to correct muscle imbalances that prevent the eyes from looking parallel. The aim is to ensure both aesthetic appearance and the eyes working together (binocular vision).
In strabismus, inward deviation is usually caused by genetic predisposition, refractive errors or brain and nervous system diseases. Outward deviation is usually caused by genetic predisposition or trauma. Upward or downward deviation is usually caused by genetic predisposition, brain and nervous system diseases, or trauma. Diabetes, hypertension, and certain rheumatic diseases can also cause strabismus.
What Is Strabismus Surgery?
Strabismus surgery, also known as cross-eye surgery, is a medical procedure performed to correct eye misalignment caused by imbalances in the eye muscles. In strabismus, the eyes do not look in the same direction, which disrupts normal vision and often affects appearance. The goal of surgery is to restore proper eye alignment, improve binocular vision (the ability of the eyes to work together), and enhance facial aesthetics.
The surgery involves adjusting the position, strength, or length of the eye muscles so that the eyes move in coordination. Strabismus surgery can be performed in both children and adults, and success rates are very high with modern surgical techniques.
Who Is Strabismus Surgery For?
Strabismus surgery is recommended for individuals whose eye misalignment cannot be corrected with glasses, vision therapy, or other non-surgical methods. Suitable candidates include:
- Children with congenital strabismus (present from birth).
- Adults with acquired strabismus due to trauma, neurological disease, or untreated childhood misalignment.
- Patients with eye deviations that cause double vision, headaches, or eye strain.
- Individuals who seek surgery for cosmetic reasons, as eye misalignment may affect confidence and social interactions.
Strabismus can affect both vision quality and mental well-being, making surgery both a functional and psychological treatment.
Types of Strabismus
There are several types of strabismus, categorized based on the direction of eye deviation:
- Esotropia (Inward Strabismus): One or both eyes turn inward toward the nose. Often caused by genetic predisposition, refractive errors, or neurological conditions.
- Exotropia (Outward Strabismus): One or both eyes drift outward. May occur intermittently, especially when tired, or can be constant.
- Hypertropia (Upward Strabismus): One eye is positioned higher than the other. Often linked to nerve or muscle imbalances.
- Hypotropia (Downward Strabismus): One eye sits lower than the other. Usually associated with trauma or neurological problems.
- Mixed Strabismus: A combination of inward and outward deviations, which may change depending on gaze direction.
Each type may vary in severity and cause, which determines the treatment approach.
What Causes Eye Misalignment?
Strabismus occurs when the eye muscles cannot coordinate movements properly. Causes include:
- Genetic factors (family history of strabismus).
- Uncorrected refractive errors such as farsightedness.
- Neurological conditions affecting eye muscle control.
- Eye muscle weakness or paralysis due to trauma or systemic diseases.
- Medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or rheumatologic disorders.
Identifying the underlying cause is essential for choosing the right treatment plan.
How Is Strabismus Surgery Performed?
Strabismus surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, especially in children, though adults may undergo local anesthesia in some cases.
- The surgeon makes a small incision on the conjunctiva (the thin tissue covering the white part of the eye).
- The affected eye muscles are either shortened (resection) to strengthen them or relocated (recession) to weaken their pull.
- Fine, dissolvable sutures are used to hold the muscles in their new positions.
- The procedure usually takes 30–90 minutes, depending on the complexity and the number of muscles involved.
Patients are discharged the same day and can return to most activities within a week.
Recovery After Strabismus Surgery
Recovery is generally smooth and quick:
- First days: Redness, mild swelling, and discomfort are common but subside within a week.
- Vision adjustment: Patients may experience temporary blurred or double vision as the brain adapts.
- Eye drops: Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops are prescribed for 1–2 weeks.
- Return to activities: Most patients return to normal activities within 7–10 days. Children may go back to school in about a week.
- Final results: Full stabilization of eye alignment may take several weeks to months.
Long-term follow-up ensures proper healing and lasting alignment.
This operation, performed under general anaesthesia, takes approximately 1-2 hours. During the operation, interventions such as shortening or disabling the eye muscles are performed. After the operation, the treated eye or eyes are bandaged. The patient is discharged on the same day. It is necessary to use the eye drops regularly and protect the operated eye from trauma.
The Journey of Strabismus Surgery in Turkey
Initial Consultation
Travel and Accommodation
Procedure
Post-Operative Care
Discover Turkey While Regaining Your Vision
Strabismus Surgery FAQs
Common patient questions about strabismus surgery, from safety and recovery to success rates and candidacy.