Arlington Eye Physicians

Strabismus / Eye Muscule Surgery

Strabismus and Eye Muscule Surgery and Treatment

Strabismus

We provide both surgical and non-surgical management of misalignment of the eyes. Not all patients are candidates for surgical correction. Some patients are better managed by alternative non-surgical methods including spectacles, occlusion or prism. Surgical decision is made over several visits after the degree of misalignment has been determined to be stable and significant enough in magnitude to warrant intervention.

In the case of surgical correction, identified muscles are moved (recessed or advanced) or shortened (resected), resulting in a change in the alignment of the two eyes. Depending upon the situation, one or both eyes may need surgical intervention.

Adult strabismus

Adult strabismus refers to misalignment of eyes in adult patients. This may occur with or without symptoms of diplopia (double vision). In general, newly acquired misalignment in a patient that previously was able to use their eyes together, may result in diplopia.

However, in case of long-standing misalignment, the patient’s brain often adjusts and learns to ignore signals from one of the eyes to avoid double vision. This is accomplished through a relative blind spot.

    Some causes of adult strabismus include:

  • Graves Disease – also known as Thyroid Ophthalmopathy
  • Diabetes
  • Stroke
  • Myasthenia Gravis
  • Orbital masses
  • Trauma

    Treatment of adult strabismus includes:

  • Prism
  • Occlusion
  • Surgical compensation
  • Specific management choice is determined by evaluation of the particular case.