Pediatric Strabismus Surgery
Strabismus surgery improves the function and coordination of the eye muscles.
There are many different forms of strabismus, which differ in terms of therapeutic options and the urgency of intervention.
Strabismus in Children
Compared to strabismus in adults, it must be considered that the visual system in children is still developing. Treatment at this stage can often positively influence visual development. We will be happy to discuss with you in a personal conversation whether and which treatment may be appropriate and beneficial for your child.
Treatment Options
In only a few cases surgical treatment of strabismus is urgent. Often, the correct glasses or bifocal glasses can improve eye alignment control.
Treatment options for strabismus include:
- Glasses
- Bifocal or progressive lenses
- Prism glasses
- Strabismus surgery
Prism Adhesive on the Right spectacle lens
Surgical Options
Weakening
The function of the eye muscle is weakened, for example, by recessing it. Another way to weaken the muscle is by making a small incision within the muscle.
Strengthening
The function of the eye muscle is strengthened by folding or pleating it. This makes the muscle tighter and allows it to exert greater force.
Transposition
By repositioning, the pulling direction of the muscle can be changed. This is necessary, for example, when an eye muscle has completely lost its function and this function needs to be replaced by another eye muscle.
Adjustable Sutures
Using adjustable sutures allows the result to be fine-tuned after the operation. In most cases, children will need a short sedation for this adjustment. For adults, the adjustment can be performed painlessly while awake.
Limitations of Surgery
The “amount” of surgery – that is, the decision on how much the eye muscle is moved, repositioned, or shortened – is based on empirical values that cannot predict the individual result and healing process.
Early Correction In a few cases, the result of the eye position immediately after the surgery is not satisfactory and a corrective procedure is necessary. This affects less than 5% of patients.
Late Correction In many cases, the angle of strabismus changes over the course of life. Up to 20% of all operated patients (including children) undergo a second procedure later in life.
Risks
As with any surgery, there are risks of bleeding and infection. However, since the surgery is performed only on the surface of the eyes, the risk of these complications is extremely low.