Strabismus can be treated surgically or non-surgically. This condition is ideally treated as early as possible (particularly in children) so that it does not progress to require extensive corrections. There are a number of non-surgical treatments for strabismus, all of which put the weaker eye to use in order to strengthen it. These treatments include:
In order to surgically correct strabismus, the surgeon shortens or lengthens the muscles that control the eye. First, a small incision into the eye is made in order to reach the muscle that requires strengthening or weakening. To strengthen or shorten a muscle, a small section from one end of the muscle is removed and the two ends are reattached at the same location. To weaken or add length to a muscle, a partial cut is usually made across the muscle, allowing the eye to turn further than was previously allowed.
In adults, this surgery is usually performed under local anaesthetic and the patient can often go home on the same day. Occasionally the patient may experience double vision after surgery as the brain adjusts to the new way of seeing, but this should correct itself over the following weeks.
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