Eye Muscle Surgery Procedure

Eye muscle surgery, also known as strabismus surgery, is a common procedure used to correct misalignment of the eyes. Whether it’s for children or adults, this surgery helps improve eye coordination, vision function, and appearance. If you or a loved one is preparing for eye muscle surgery, understanding the eye muscle surgery procedure can make the experience less stressful and more manageable.

What Is Eye Muscle Surgery?

Eye muscle surgery is a surgical procedure to correct issues caused by strabismus, a condition in which the eyes do not align properly. One eye may turn in, out, up, or down while the other focuses straight ahead. This misalignment can result in double vision, poor depth perception, and in some cases, social or emotional difficulties due to cosmetic appearance.

Strabismus usually occurs when the six muscles that control eye movement don’t work together properly. The goal of the surgery is to strengthen or weaken specific eye muscles to help the eyes move in sync.

Why Is Eye Muscle Surgery Procedure?

There are several reasons someone might need this procedure, including:

• Congenital strabismus :- Misalignment present at birth.
• Acquired strabismus :- Misalignment developed later due to trauma, neurological conditions, or other causes.
• Diplopia (double vision) :- Common in adults, often due to nerve palsies or trauma.
• Cosmetic reasons :- Especially in adults where the misalignment is stable but affects appearance.

Surgery is typically considered when non-surgical treatments, such as glasses, prism lenses, or vision therapy, are ineffective or insufficient.

Preoperative Preparation

Before surgery, a thorough eye examination is performed. This may include:

• Visual acuity test
• Eye alignment and movement analysis
• General health assessment
• MRI or CT scan (if neurological issues are suspected)

You’ll also have a consultation with an ophthalmologist, who will determine which muscles need to be adjusted and to what extent.

Fasting and Medication

Patients are usually instructed to fast for 6-8 hours before surgery. Certain medications may need to be paused, especially blood thinners, and you’ll need to discuss all current medications with your surgeon.

The Eye Muscle Surgery Procedure

1. Anesthesia
   • Children typically undergo general anesthesia, which means they’ll be completely asleep during the surgery.
   • Adults may receive either general or local anesthesia with sedation, depending on the complexity and patient preference.
2. Accessing the Eye Muscles :- The surgeon makes a small incision in the conjunctiva (the clear tissue covering the white part of the eye) to expose the muscles. No incisions are made on the skin, and there are no visible scars post-surgery.
3. Adjusting the MusclesThere are two main techniques:
   • Recession :- Weakening the muscle by detaching it from the eyeball and reattaching it further back.
   • Resection :- Strengthening the muscle by removing a section and reattaching it to its original spot.

   Sometimes, a “sliding” adjustable suture technique is used particularly in adults allowing the surgeon to fine-tune the alignment shortly after surgery.

4. Stitching and Closing :- Dissolvable stitches are used to secure the muscles and close the incision. These typically dissolve over time and don’t need to be removed manually.Duration :- The surgery usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how many muscles are being corrected.

Postoperative Care and Recovery

After surgery, you’ll spend a short time in a recovery area. Most patients go home the same day.

1. Common Postoperative Symptoms
   • Redness in the eye (can last a few weeks)
   • Swelling and mild discomfort
   • Watery eyes or tearing
   • Temporary double vision
2. Your doctor may prescribe
   • Antibiotic or steroid eye drops
   • Pain relief medication if needed
   • Eye patch (occasionally used to protect the eye)
3. You’ll likely be advised to
   • Avoid strenuous activity or swimming for a few weeks
   • Follow up with your doctor within a week after surgery
   • Monitor for any signs of infection or excessive discomfort

Risks and Complications

While eye muscle surgery is generally safe, as with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks:

• Under-correction or over-correction of eye alignment
• Double vision (temporary or rarely permanent)
• Infection or bleeding
• Scarring of the conjunctiva
• Rarely, vision loss or anesthetic complications

Having an experienced surgeon and following post-op care instructions greatly minimizes these risks.

Success Rates and Long-Term Results

Eye muscle surgery has a high success rate, particularly when performed in children. In many cases, only one surgery is required, but some patients especially adults or those with complex cases may need additional procedures.

Children’s brains adapt more easily to the new alignment, improving both function and appearance. For adults, success often also includes resolving double vision and improving quality of life.

When to Contact Your Doctor

After surgery, reach out to your ophthalmologist if you experience:

• Severe or increasing pain
• Vision changes like sudden blurriness or loss
• Swelling that worsens over time
• Discharge or signs of infection
• Persistent double vision

Conclusion

Eye muscle surgery is a safe and effective option for correcting strabismus and improving visual function and appearance. Whether for a child born with eye misalignment or an adult struggling with double vision, this procedure can be life-changing.

Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist for a detailed diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your needs. With proper care and attention, recovery is smooth, and the benefits are long-lasting.