The Importance of Strabismus Surgery: A Personal Perspective on Eye Health

The necessity of strabismus surgery?

Hello, Director Liang.
I have had a strabismus issue since childhood, where I can only use one eye to focus at a time while the other eye tends to drift outward.
I believe the angle of deviation is quite significant, and I have to concentrate to make both eyes look in the same direction, which I can only maintain for a few dozen seconds before getting tired.
When I was about five years old, a doctor suggested that if it affected my vision, I should consider surgery, but I chose not to because I was afraid of the pain.

Currently, my refractive error is nearly 400 degrees, with my left eye having a visual acuity of 0.5 (1.0 with glasses) and my right eye a visual acuity of 0.1 (0.6 with glasses).
The angle of strabismus in my left eye has also increased compared to my childhood.
I am more concerned about the issues of amblyopia and depth perception rather than the cosmetic aspect of strabismus.
However, during my previous visits to the ophthalmologist, there seemed to be no mention of amblyopia, at least the doctors did not bring it up, and my health check results during school did not indicate any issues either.

Regarding depth perception, I found that if one is over eight years old, it is generally considered irretrievable.
Therefore, if I do not care about the cosmetic issues, would you personally recommend surgery?

E, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/12/04

Dr. Liang Ce reply Ophthalmology

It is recommended that you visit an ophthalmology clinic for an examination by a physician, who will determine if any related tests are necessary.
Thank you, and wishing you good health!

Reply Date: 2021/12/04

More Info

Strabismus, commonly known as squint or crossed eyes, is a condition where the eyes do not properly align with each other when looking at an object. This misalignment can lead to various issues, including double vision, depth perception problems, and in some cases, amblyopia (commonly referred to as "lazy eye"). Given your history of strabismus and the challenges you face with eye alignment and vision, it is understandable that you are considering the implications of surgery.

From a medical perspective, strabismus surgery can be a beneficial option, particularly if the misalignment is significant and affects your daily life. The primary goal of strabismus surgery is to improve the alignment of the eyes, which can enhance binocular vision (the ability to use both eyes together) and reduce or eliminate double vision. Additionally, correcting the alignment can improve cosmetic appearance, which may have psychological benefits as well.

In your case, you mentioned that you have a significant difference in visual acuity between your eyes, with your left eye being much stronger than your right. This disparity can complicate the situation, as the brain may favor the stronger eye, potentially leading to amblyopia in the weaker eye. However, you also noted that you have not been diagnosed with amblyopia, which is a positive sign. It suggests that your brain is still able to use both eyes, albeit with some difficulty.

The decision to undergo strabismus surgery should be based on several factors, including:
1. Severity of Misalignment: If your strabismus is causing significant functional problems, such as difficulty focusing or maintaining binocular vision, surgery may be warranted.

2. Visual Acuity: Since you have a significant difference in vision between your eyes, it is essential to consider how surgery might impact your overall vision. In some cases, surgery can improve visual function, but it may not necessarily equalize vision between the two eyes.

3. Age and Development: You mentioned that you are now older and that the window for correcting certain visual issues may have passed. While it is true that the brain's plasticity decreases with age, surgery can still provide benefits in terms of alignment and comfort, even in adulthood.

4. Personal Goals: If you are primarily concerned about the cosmetic aspect of strabismus and are less worried about functional issues, it may be worth discussing with your ophthalmologist the potential benefits and risks of surgery.
5. Risks and Benefits: Like any surgical procedure, strabismus surgery carries risks, including infection, overcorrection or undercorrection of the eye alignment, and potential need for additional surgeries. However, many patients experience significant improvements in their quality of life post-surgery.

In conclusion, if you are considering strabismus surgery, it is crucial to have a thorough discussion with your ophthalmologist. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific condition, visual needs, and lifestyle. They may also suggest additional tests to assess your depth perception and overall visual function. Ultimately, the decision should align with your personal goals for your eye health and quality of life.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Alternating Strabismus: Surgery Options and Recovery Insights

Hello Doctor: I have alternating strabismus and generally use my left eye for vision, which is myopic at -7.50 diopters, while my right eye is -4.50 diopters (the difference is quite significant). When wearing glasses, I have right eye strabismus, and without glasses, I have left...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello, A Ya: It is inevitable that there may be adhesions from the previous surgery during the second procedure, but recovery should still be relatively quick. I recommend that you have an evaluation by a specialist in strabismus surgery. In Taiwan, you can visit the ophthalmolog...

Is Surgery Necessary for Intermittent Strabismus in Teens?

Hello, doctor. I am currently 15 years old and have discovered that I have intermittent strabismus (I do not have strabismus normally, but it occurs when I daydream or feel fatigued, causing double vision). As of now, it does not affect my daily life, but after researching, I fou...

Dr. Liang Ce reply Ophthalmology
It is recommended that you visit an ophthalmology clinic to see if any relevant examinations are needed. Thank you, and wishing you good health!

Can Strabismus and Vision Loss Improve After Multiple Eye Surgeries?

Hello, doctor. I am a premature infant and I have a significant degree of strabismus in both eyes. Due to my premature birth, the optic nerve in my right eye has atrophied. I have undergone two surgeries for glaucoma and have also had my lens replaced. The function of my right ey...

Dr. Liang Ce reply Ophthalmology
It is advisable for you to discuss the above situation further with your attending physician. Thank you, and wishing you good health!

Can Surgery Help with Strabismus, Amblyopia, and Myopia?

Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask if strabismus, myopia, amblyopia, and photophobia can be treated with surgery. Will surgery improve these conditions? I have these symptoms, and my lenses need to be custom-made. Are there any cases that I can refer to for understanding? Could y...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: Strabismus surgery involves adjusting the position of the eyes by operating on the muscles outside the eyeball. Myopia and astigmatism are treated with laser surgery on the cornea. Both types of surgery have certain efficacy, but a personal examination and evaluation are n...