by Malouf Eye | Oct 24, 2023 | Strabismus, Surgery
Strabismus, commonly known as an eye turn, can be a distressing condition for both cosmetic and functional reasons. While it is often seen in childhood, it is possible for an eye turn to present later in life. When this happens, it can cause troublesome symptoms such as double vision, nausea, or headaches. If these issues persist and are not resolved with methods like covering one eye, surgical intervention may be necessary. Strabismus surgery aims to realign the eyes by modifying the eye muscles and their attachment points, offering a viable option for adults with this condition.
Understanding Strabismus
Strabismus occurs when the eyes are misaligned and do not properly work together to focus on an object. One eye may turn inward (esotropia), outward (exotropia), upward (hypertropia), or downward (hypotropia) in relation to the other eye. This misalignment can lead to both cosmetic concerns and functional issues with vision.
While strabismus often develops during childhood, it can also manifest in adulthood. Adult-onset strabismus can have various causes, including eye muscle problems, nerve issues, or underlying health conditions. Regardless of the underlying cause, an eye turn in adulthood may necessitate treatment to alleviate symptoms and improve visual function.
The Role of Eye Turn Surgery
In cases where an eye turn in adults causes ongoing problems such as double vision, nausea, or headaches, conservative treatments like eye patching or vision therapy may not provide sufficient relief. When these symptoms persist, surgery can be an effective solution.
Strabismus surgery involves adjusting the eye muscles to change their position or tension. By modifying the insertion points of the eye muscles on the eye, the surgeon can realign the eyes, allowing them to work together more effectively. The surgical procedure is typically performed under local or general anesthesia, and the specifics vary depending on the individual case and the type and extent of the eye turn.
Candidacy and Benefits of Surgery for Adult Strabismus
Determining candidacy for strabismus surgery is essential for adults seeking treatment for an eye turn. A comprehensive evaluation by an experienced eye care professional is necessary to assess the underlying cause of the strabismus, the severity of the misalignment, and the overall health of the eyes. Based on this assessment, the eye care professional can determine whether surgery is a suitable option.
Strabismus surgery in adults offers several potential benefits. These include:
Improved Vision: Surgery aims to realign the eyes, which can alleviate double vision, improve depth perception, and enhance overall visual function.
Relief from Symptoms: Correcting the eye turn can help alleviate associated symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, or strain.
Enhanced Self-Confidence: Addressing strabismus through surgery can have a positive impact on cosmetic appearance and boost self-confidence and self-esteem.
Functional Independence: Adult strabismus surgery offers the potential to regain visual function without relying on compensatory strategies like covering one eye.
Recovery and Follow-Up Care
Following strabismus surgery, proper care is crucial for a successful recovery. The specific post-operative instructions from the surgeon should be carefully followed, including the use of prescribed eye drops or ointments and avoiding activities that strain the eyes. Temporary side effects such as redness, swelling, or temporary double vision may occur but typically resolve over time.
In addition to post-operative care, regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon are essential. These visits allow for monitoring of progress, adjustment of any ongoing treatments, and addressing any concerns that may arise.
Dr. Jorge Malouf and the staff of the Malouf Eye specialize in a variety of ophthalmologic conditions and treatments including cataract surgery, glaucoma surgery, strabismus surgery, neuro-ophthalmology exams, oculoplastics, diabetes and more Call our ophthalmologist in Tampa, FL today at 813-798-2020 if you are interested in learning more about strabismus. Our eye doctor provides only the highest quality eye care and surgical services amongst eye doctors in the Tampa, Florida area.
by Malouf Eye | May 9, 2023 | Cornea
A pterygium is a common eye condition that affects many people across the world. Generally, pterygium is a non-cancerous growth on the surface of the eye that can grow over time, distort vision and impact the appearance of the eye. Fortunately, if the growth is causing significant problems, treatment is available. The most comprehensive and common treatment is surgical excision.
When is Surgery Needed for a Pterygium
Pterygium surgery involves the removal of the entire growth from the surface of the eye. Surgery may be required if the growth encroaches on the visual axis or creates astigmatism, which requires vision correction.
This can be seen by observing how close the pterygium comes to reaching the center of the pupil and whether or not new glasses or contact lenses are needed due to the increase in astigmatism power of the cornea.
Who Develops a Pterygium
Developing a pterygium can be completely unexplained, but there are factors that increase the risk and prevalence of a pterygium beginning.
Patients at risk include those who frequently expose their eyes to sunlight, wind, and dust, as well as patients with past history of pterygium recurrences.
Construction workers are notoriously susceptible to developing a pterygium given the demands of the profession.
The Pterygium Surgery Procedure
Pterygium surgery is an outpatient procedure and typically lasts around thirty minutes. Local anesthesia is used to numb the eye, so you won’t feel any pain or discomfort throughout the surgery.
The steps to remove the pterygium and repair the eye will vary based on the size of the pterygium and its position on the eye.
The surgeon will remove the pterygium, cutting it out along with the abnormal surface tissue over the white of the eye or sclera.
It may also involve removing a small portion of the sclera when needed to completely remove the lesion.
After removing the pterygium, the gap in the sclera will be filled with a graft from your own conjunctiva, the mucus membrane of the eye, or can be filled with outside sources such as stem cells or amniotic tissue.
Once the graft is in place, an eye patch is placed and the procedure is complete.
Recovery from Pterygium Surgery
Most patients can resume their normal activities within one to two days after the procedure. It is important to follow your eye doctor’s instructions after the surgery to ensure proper healing.
To speed recovery, avoid strenuous exercise, use ice or cool compresses, wear protective goggles and sunglasses, and make sure to use all medication eye drops as directed.
Additional follow-up visits are needed to verify that the entire pterygium was removed and that the graft is healed properly.
Benefits of Pterygium Excision
A pterygium excision is not a small procedure – it requires multiple incisions, excision, and grafting. Despite this, the procedure is very safe and effective.
This procedure is the main treatment for any pterygium that is creating symptoms – it will improve the appearance of the eye, reduce astigmatism, and improve the clarity of sight in the eye.
Dr. Jorge Malouf and the staff of the Malouf Eye specialize in a variety of ophthalmologic conditions and treatments including cataract surgery, glaucoma surgery, strabismus surgery, neuro-ophthalmology exams, oculoplastics, diabetes and more. Call our ophthalmologist in Tampa, FL today at 813-798-2020 if you are interested in learning more about pterygium surgery Our eye doctor provides only the highest quality eye care and surgical services amongst eye doctors in the Tampa, Florida area.
Recent Comments