Resection and adjustable suture strabismus surgeries

People with strabismus have one eye turning in, out or rotating too high or low. It can be interpreted as an abnormality of certain extraocular muscles. If one of the six outside muscles that control eye movements is particularly strong or weak, the two eyes will be misaligned and strabismus occurs. The process that ocular muscles control eye movement can be affected by cranial nerve which has a lesion. Of course, such an ocular problem will impose negative effects on people’s daily activities. At least the ability of depth vision perception will be offset. It is quite possible that the misaligned eyes will neglect some important details.

Strabismus requires an early and combinational treatment

It is very important to treat this eye problem at an early stage, especially for infants. Early treatment can reduce the risk of losing a certain degree of depth perception in adulthood. Toady, some approaches have been proposed and proven for strabismus treatment. The primary goal for strabismus patients is comfortable and clear binocular vision at all distances and directions. It is widely known that eye patching is a regular method for curing amblyopia. But it is unlikely to change the angle of strabismus. In fact, an effective treatment for strabismus usually requires a combination of eyeglasses or prisms, vision therapy and surgery. Nowadays, there are several types of surgeries that can correct strabismus.

Recession and resection strabismus surgeries

The first category includes recession and resection strabismus procedures. For a strengthened eye muscle, a recession procedure will detach it and reattach it farther back so as to weaken its strength. In contrast, a recession surgery treats a weakened muscle by reducing the strength of its opposing muscle, in order to achieve a balance between them. A resection procedure for strabismus treatment can be used to cure inwardly turned eyes. The lateral rectus muscles will be strengthened by reattaching the opposite muscle, resulting in outwardly turned eyes.

Adjustable suture strabismus surgery

An adjustable suture strabismus surgery can be applied to improve the final outcome after a resection procedure. The adjustable suture in place can be used to tighten or loosen the treated muscles. Getting a satisfying effect of eye alignment, the surgeon will tie the suture permanently in place. This surgery will be conducted in the operating room with anesthesia. Individuals who developed strabismus in adulthood and have good depth vision perception are good candidates for adjustable suture surgery.

About postoperative complications and eye alignment result

During a possible tightening process, the patient may feel uncomfortable. After the surgery, red and sore eyes may be caused, especially in the surgically treated area. These symptoms are normal and will fade within two to three weeks. Most patients can return to work after several days, even though there may be a foreign body sensation. Final result of corrected eye alignment will become stable after four to six weeks. Some young children may need a second or even third strabismus surgery.