Strabismus, commonly known as cross-eyed or wall-eyed, is a condition where the eyes do not properly align with each other. Treatment often involves surgery to correct the alignment. Understanding the most common strabismus surgery procedures can help patients and their families make informed decisions. Below are some widely used surgical techniques in strabismus treatment.

1. Resection Surgery

Resection surgery involves the removal of a portion of the eye muscle. This procedure strengthens the muscle causing the eye to turn inward or outward. By reattaching the muscle farther back on the eye, it can help bring the eye into better alignment. Resection is often used for patients with certain types of strabismus, such as esotropia (inward turning) and exotropia (outward turning).

2. Recession Surgery

Recession surgery is the opposite of resection. In this procedure, a muscle is detached from its original position and reattached further back on the eye. This effectively weakens the muscle, which can help treat conditions where the eye is overactive, leading to improper alignment. Recession is commonly performed for both esotropia and exotropia.

3. Adjustable Sutures

Adjustable suture techniques allow for postoperative adjustments of the eye muscles. After the initial surgery, the surgeon can modify the tension of the sutures in real-time while the patient is still under anesthesia. This method helps achieve the best possible alignment, as the surgeon can fine-tune the adjustment based on the eye's position.

4. Vertical Muscle Surgery

In some cases, strabismus is caused by issues with the vertical eye muscles. Vertical muscle surgery specifically targets these muscles to correct conditions like hypertropia (one eye is higher than the other). The procedure may involve either resection or recession techniques similar to those used in horizontal muscle surgery.

5. Bardach Procedure

The Bardach procedure is a specific surgical technique used for certain types of strabismus, particularly cases involving significant ocular misalignment. This procedure involves resecting multiple muscles in a single operation to achieve desired alignment. It's most beneficial for patients with complex strabismus that doesn’t respond well to standard approaches.

6. Postoperative Care

After strabismus surgery, patients typically undergo a recovery period that involves close monitoring. Eye drops may be prescribed to prevent infection and inflammation, and it's important for patients to follow postoperative care instructions closely for the best results. Eye patches may also be utilized in specific scenarios to help strengthen the weaker eye.

Conclusion

Strabismus surgery offers various techniques tailored to individual needs. Consultation with a qualified ophthalmologist specializing in strabismus is crucial for determining the most appropriate procedure. Understanding these common surgical options can empower patients and families to engage actively in the treatment process, ultimately leading to better visual outcomes.