Why Do My Eyes Still Look the Same After Strabismus Surgery?

Is the eye straightened after strabismus surgery?

Hello, doctor.
I completed strabismus surgery in August this year, and it has been exactly two months since then.
However, the appearance of my eyes still looks exactly the same as before the surgery when I take selfies, but my friends say they can't tell the difference, and the doctor also said the recovery is going well.
I personally feel that it's very obvious and looks bad in photos.
🥲 I would like to ask why this situation is happening!

yuna, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/10/06

Dr. Cai Wenyuan reply Ophthalmology

Observe the symptoms, and if they persist, seek medical evaluation.

Reply Date: 2023/10/06

More Info

After undergoing strabismus surgery, it is not uncommon for patients to feel that their eyes appear the same as before the procedure, even if their friends and doctors observe significant improvement. This phenomenon can be attributed to several factors, including psychological perception, healing processes, and the nature of strabismus itself.

Firstly, it's essential to understand that strabismus surgery aims to realign the eye muscles to improve ocular alignment and binocular vision. However, the results may not be immediately apparent to the patient due to the brain's adaptation to the previous eye position. The brain has a remarkable ability to adjust to visual input, and it may take time for it to fully recognize and accept the new alignment. This adjustment period can lead to a discrepancy between how you perceive your eyes and how others perceive them.

Moreover, the healing process after strabismus surgery can take several weeks to months. Swelling, bruising, and inflammation are common post-operative effects that can temporarily alter the appearance of the eyes. Even after the initial healing phase, subtle changes in muscle tension and alignment may continue to evolve as the body adjusts. It is crucial to give your eyes adequate time to heal and for the surgical results to stabilize.

Another factor to consider is the psychological aspect of body image. After surgery, patients often have heightened awareness of their appearance, leading to increased scrutiny of their eyes. This self-consciousness can amplify feelings of dissatisfaction, even if the surgical outcome is positive. It is essential to focus on the functional improvements that may not be immediately visible, such as enhanced binocular vision and reduced eye strain.

If you are still concerned about the appearance of your eyes, it is advisable to follow up with your ophthalmologist or surgeon. They can assess your healing progress and determine if any additional interventions are necessary. In some cases, patients may benefit from vision therapy or additional cosmetic procedures to enhance the aesthetic outcome further.

In conclusion, while it is understandable to feel frustrated about the appearance of your eyes post-surgery, it is essential to recognize that healing takes time, and perceptions can differ between individuals. Trust in the expertise of your medical team and allow yourself the time to adjust to the changes. If concerns persist, do not hesitate to seek further evaluation and support from your healthcare provider.

Similar Q&A

Post-Surgery Confusion: Understanding Vision Changes After Strabismus Surgery

I have had esotropia since childhood, which has led to amblyopia in my deviated eye. This means that the eye with strabismus also has reduced vision, resulting in a significant disparity between my two eyes. After wearing glasses, one eye has a vision of approximately 1.0, while ...

Dr. Ke Meilan reply Ophthalmology
Hello! 1. Usually, when you look with both eyes, you won't feel anything. 2. Your issue mainly stems from the retina's focus being off the central point, which is why others perceive you as having normal alignment. However, your optimal point is actually strabismic, so ...

Understanding Post-Strabismus Surgery: Concerns About Uneven Eyes

Hello, Doctor. I have intermittent strabismus. I would like to ask... After strabismus surgery, is it normal to experience a difference in eye size? I had the surgery on July 10, and I’ve noticed that my left eye (the one that was operated on) appears smaller. Is this normal? My ...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello Mina: After surgery, there may be redness and swelling, which can sometimes cause asymmetry in the eyes. Since it has only been about two weeks, there is a possibility of recovery. However, please consult your attending physician during your follow-up appointment for an acc...

Understanding Post-Surgery Strabismus: What to Expect on Day Three

Is it normal for my eyes to still be slightly misaligned after surgery? I used adjustable sutures, and I read online that someone had their eyes completely aligned after 20 days. Will mine also align on their own over time?

Dr. Zhuang Yamin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: The condition after strabismus surgery varies depending on the type and degree of strabismus prior to the surgery, as well as the age of the patient. The recovery process may differ accordingly. In the initial days post-surgery, the muscle strength may not have fully recov...

Understanding Post-Surgery Strabismus: Causes and Solutions

I have a slight degree of strabismus in my left eye and an outward deviation of over sixty degrees in my right eye. Two years ago, I underwent surgery for the right eye strabismus, but now my left eye has started to exhibit intermittent exotropia, while my right eye remains norma...

Dr. Liang Ce reply Ophthalmology
We recommend that you: 1. Discuss the above situation further with your attending physician. 2. Consider consulting with an ophthalmologist at a major hospital. Wishing you good health. Thank you!