Strabismus in Adults >>

• Definition of Strabismus in Adults
• Types of Strabismus in Adults
• Symptoms of Strabismus in Adults
• How Strabismus Correction Surgery is Performed
• Types of Strabismus Correction Surgeries
• Does Surgery Help in Treating Strabismus?
• Post-Operative Guidelines for Strabismus Surgery

Definition of Strabismus in Adults

Strabismus in adults is a condition where the alignment and coordination of the eyes are impaired, affecting approximately 4% of adults.

It can occur all the time or intermittently and may affect one eye or both eyes alternately.

Types of Strabismus in Adults

Non-paralytic strabismus:

It is often present since childhood.
Eye coordination appears after strabismus surgery in childhood, but misalignment may reoccur later.

Paralytic strabismus:

It results from weakness or paralysis in one or more of the eye muscles.
It can be caused by health issues such as nerve damage or head injuries.

Restrictive strabismus:

It occurs due to scarring or restriction of one or more muscles.
It can lead to incomplete movement of the eye or eyes.

Symptoms of Strabismus in Adults

• Fatigue and exhaustion.
  Double vision.
  Difficulty seeing close objects.
  Inability to see in 3D.
  Adopting abnormal head positions to compensate.
  Worry about the appearance of the eyes.
  Impact on social relationships and work.

How Strabismus Correction Surgery is Performed

• The procedure involves adjusting the position of the muscles associated with the eye without removing the eye from the socket.
  Stitches are used to secure the muscles in the new position.
  In most cases, patients can leave on the same day without the need to stay in the hospital.

Types of Strabismus Correction Surgeries

Non-adjustable:

It is performed under general anesthesia.
It usually takes about 60 minutes.
The patient can leave on the same day after waking up.

Adjustable Surgery:

Adjustable sutures are used in strabismus surgery to achieve better results.
This method is suitable for strabismus patients who have undergone previous surgeries or have eye problems due to thyroid disorders.

Part One – The Basic Procedure:

The basic part of the procedure is done under general anesthesia.

Part Two – Adjusting the Sutures:

The position of the muscle is adjusted after the patient wakes up from anesthesia.
The goal of this step is to treat double vision.

Before the Surgery:

An evaluation is done in the weeks leading up to the surgery.
You are required to arrive early for preparation and to fast before the surgery.

After the Surgery:

You will be given eye drops with instructions for use.
A follow-up appointment will be scheduled after discharge from the hospital.

Does Surgery Help in Treating Strabismus?

• Approximately 90% of patients experience improvement after surgery.
  The correction may vary between patients, even with the same degree of strabismus.
  Strabismus may not be fully corrected after the surgery.
  Some cases may require more than one surgery.
  Strabismus may recur in some cases, either in the same direction or the opposite direction.
  The time needed for strabismus to return may be unpredictable.

Post-Operative Guidelines for Strabismus Surgery

• Use eye drops.
• Take pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain relief.
• Clean the eye with cooled boiled water using clean cotton pads or tissues.
• Avoid getting water in the eye while showering for two weeks after the surgery.
• Avoid rubbing the eyes to prevent affecting the sutures.
• Do not swim for 4 weeks.
• Stick to the scheduled follow-up appointments.
• Continue using glasses if you were using them.
• Avoid using contact lenses in the operated eye until the doctor permits.
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