Strabismus Treatment
Strabismus, commonly known as crossed eyes or wandering eyes, occurs when the eyes do not properly align or work together. This misalignment can affect depth perception and vision, and in many cases, it can impact both visual function and appearance. At Hashemi Eye Care, Dr. Ghiam specializes in strabismus surgery to correct this condition, restoring eye alignment and improving both the functional and cosmetic outcomes for our patients.
What Is Strabismus?
Strabismus is a condition where one or both eyes point in different directions due to muscle imbalance or nerve control issues. This misalignment can cause double vision, depth perception problems, or reduced vision in the affected eye.
There are several types of strabismus:
Esotropia: One or both eyes turn inward.
Exotropia: One or both eyes turn outward.
Hypertropia: One eye turns upward compared to the other.
Hypotropia: One eye turns downward compared to the other.
Strabismus can develop at any age, though it is most common in children. However, adults can also develop strabismus due to underlying medical conditions such as stroke or trauma.
Strabismus Treatment Options
At Hashemi Eye Care, we offer a range of treatments for strabismus, including non-surgical options such as medical botox and vision therapy. However, for patients whose condition does not improve with these measures, strabismus surgery may be recommended.
Dr. Ghiam is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in neuro-ophthalmology, with particular expertise in strabismus surgery, gained through his fellowship at the USC Roski Eye Institute and affiliated hospitals.
Strabismus Botox Treatment
Botox (Botulinum Toxin Type A) can be an effective non-surgical treatment for certain types of strabismus, particularly in cases where the eyes are mildly misaligned or as a temporary measure. Botox works by weakening specific eye muscles, allowing the opposing muscles to realign the eyes. This can help improve eye coordination and reduce double vision.
The effects of Botox are temporary, usually lasting around 3 to 4 months, but for some patients, the improvement in eye alignment may persist longer. It is often considered for patients who are not candidates for surgery or those seeking a less invasive treatment option.
For more information on how Botox can be used to treat strabismus, visit our Medical Botox page.
Strabismus Surgery
Strabismus surgery is designed to adjust the position of the eye muscles to correct their alignment. During the procedure, Dr. Ghiam will either tighten or loosen the eye muscles to help the eyes work together and improve alignment.
Types of Strabismus Surgery
Resection: Involves shortening the eye muscle to make it tighter and strengthen its pull.
Plication: Folds over part of the eye muscle to shorten it, achieving the same result as resection.
Recession: Loosens the eye muscle by repositioning it farther back on the eye, reducing its pull.
In some cases, adjustable sutures may be used during surgery, allowing for fine-tuning of the muscle position in the recovery room to ensure optimal alignment.
What to Expect During Strabismus Surgery
Strabismus surgery is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning you can return home the same day. The surgery takes about 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the complexity.
Pre-Surgery:
Before the surgery, your doctor will:
Review your medical history, including any previous eye surgeries or conditions.
Conduct a thorough eye examination to determine which muscles need to be adjusted. Visit our Comprehensive Eye Exam page to learn more about the importance of eye evaluations.
Provide instructions regarding medications and fasting before surgery.
Post-Surgery:
After surgery, you’ll rest in a recovery room while your vitals are monitored.
A responsible adult will need to drive you home, and you should expect to take it easy for a few days to a week.
You will be prescribed eye drops or ointment to prevent infection and promote healing. Explore the medications we use in post-surgery care on our Medication Guide page.
Most patients experience redness and slight soreness in the eyes for a few weeks after surgery. Full recovery typically takes between 3 to 12 weeks.
Risks and Benefits of Strabismus Surgery
Benefits:
Improved Eye Alignment: Corrects the misalignment of the eyes, improving depth perception and coordination.
Enhanced Appearance: Many patients feel more confident after surgery due to the improvement in eye alignment.
Improved Visual Function: While surgery may not always improve vision, it can enhance the way your eyes work together.
Risks:
Like all surgeries, strabismus surgery has some risks, including:
Recurrent Misalignment: In some cases, the eyes may revert to their previous position, or over-correction may occur.
Infection or Bleeding
Temporary Double Vision (Diplopia): Some patients experience double vision temporarily after surgery.
Allergic Reactions to medications or anesthesia.
Ptosis (Drooping Eyelid) or other complications related to eye muscle surgery.
For more information on surgical risks and recovery, visit our Surgical Treatments page.
Managing Strabismus After Surgery
Post-operative care is essential for ensuring a successful outcome. You may need to continue wearing glasses or using corrective lenses to address any remaining vision issues. Dr. Ghiam will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery and ensure proper eye alignment.
Common post-surgery medications include:
Antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection.
Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and promote healing.
Visit our Medication Guide to learn more about post-operative care options and medications.
Schedule Your Strabismus Consultation Today
If you or your child is experiencing symptoms of strabismus, early intervention can make a significant difference. Contact us today through our Contact Page to schedule a comprehensive eye exam and discuss your personalized treatment options with Dr. Ghiam.
External Resources
For more information on strabismus and strabismus surgery, visit:
