Struggling with strabismus or misaligned eyes can be challenging, as it can affect not only a child’s vision but also their self-esteem and day-to-day life. As such, for many parents, finding the right treatment option is crucial.
If your child’s strabismus hasn’t responded to other treatments, such as corrective lenses or vision therapy, then your eye doctor can determine if strabismus surgery is worth it.
What Is Strabismus?
Strabismus, is a condition of the eye in which the eyes do not properly align. This misalignment can lead to double vision, difficulty focusing, and depth perception problems. Eventually, to avoid double vision, the brain learns to ignore the input from one eye. Suppression of the ignored eye leads to its inability to function and, eventually, the development of lazy eye or amblyopia.
Strabismus first appears between birth and 21 months, and primarily affects children under 6 years of age. However, it can also affect adults, impacting various aspects of their lives. Strabismus does not go away. Without treatment, the condition tends to worsen.
When the eye muscles don’t work together correctly, this can result in one or both eyes turning in different directions—in, out, up, or down. Eye misalignment can affect one or both eyes. While strabismus is mainly hereditary, it can arise as a secondary condition from an eye injury or disease.
Impact of Strabismus on Vision & Daily Life
Living with strabismus isn’t just a cosmetic concern; it can also significantly impact one’s vision. Difficulty reading, misjudging distances, and experiencing headaches are common associated issues. For children, strabismus can interfere with learning and social interactions.
Treatment Options for Strabismus
Several treatment options are available for managing strabismus, including corrective lenses, prism lenses, vision therapy, and surgery. Each option is different, and understanding them can help you decide which route to take.
Corrective Lenses
Corrective lenses or prism lenses may be an effective treatment option for strabismus. These specialized lenses can help improve visual function and eye alignment by altering how light enters the eyes. However, the most appropriate treatment for strabismus depends on the severity and the underlying cause.
Vision Therapy
Vision therapy can offer an alternative solution for treating strabismus. Vision therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses vision therapy techniques to help train the eyes, eye muscles, and the brain to work together as a team. Vision therapy can correct muscle imbalance and improve eye coordination, reducing the need for surgical correction.
Is Strabismus Surgery Worth It?
For parents of children with strabismus, the decision to pursue surgery can be particularly daunting. Parents often worry about the risks of surgery and the potential impact on their child’s vision and development. Addressing concerns and understanding the options is crucial and can involve open communication with your eye doctor to alleviate such concerns.
Is strabismus surgery worth it? It can be, especially when other treatments are not effective. Your eye doctor can discuss the benefits and potential risks with you in order to help you determine whether strabismus surgery is worth it for you or your child.
Strabismus surgery can provide several benefits, including improved vision, better eye coordination, and enhanced self-esteem.
Like any surgical procedure, strabismus surgery comes with risks. These risks can include infection, overcorrection or undercorrection of the eye alignment, and the need for additional surgeries. However, these risks are relatively low, and the benefits often outweigh them.
Strabismus Surgery
Strabismus surgery corrects eye alignment by adjusting the muscles around the eyes. This procedure involves tightening the weak muscles and loosening the strong muscles to improve eye function and eye position. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, so your child is asleep during the procedure.
After strabismus surgery, your child may experience redness, swelling, and pain or discomfort in the eye that was operated on. Prescribed pain medication and a cold compress can help relieve swelling and pain. Your child may also temporarily need to wear a patch over their eye after surgery.
Follow-up appointments after strabismus surgery are important for monitoring eye alignment. Your child may still need to wear glasses after surgery in order to help with binocular vision, or else may need to wear an eye patch.
Supporting Your Child
Supporting a child through treatment for strabismus involves preparing them for the procedure and helping them understand the benefits. Post-surgery assistance includes providing emotional support and attending follow-up appointments essential for a successful recovery.
Personalized Treatment for Strabismus
Strabismus surgery can be a worthwhile option for many, providing significant improvements in vision, self-esteem, and quality of life. By understanding the condition, exploring treatment options, and consulting with your eye doctor, you can make an informed decision that aligns with you and your child’s needs.
If your child has visual dysfunction, book an appointment with Bayside Eye Care to discuss treatment options.
