What is strabismus?
Squint is a condition where the eyes are not aligned. In other words, the eye looks in a different direction than the other eye. If one or both eyes look inward, it is called esotropia, or inward squint, and if one or both eyes look outward, it is called ectotropia, or outward squint. The misalignment between the eyes may be vertical, which is called up or down squint. There are different types of strabismus, and each type has a different form of signs, mechanism, and treatment.
What causes strabismus in children and adults?
There are several causes of strabismus in children and adults. In children, the most common cause is a disorder of the neuromuscular control mechanism of eye movement, which is not fully understood. Other causes in children include the need for glasses without being restricted by wearing glasses, poor vision in the eye, lazy eye, prematurity, Down syndrome, and other causes. In adults, the most common causes are thyroid dysfunction, head and brain injury, brain tumors, stroke, and nervous system problems.
How is strabismus diagnosed?
Parents or relatives usually diagnose strabismus. Strabismus can be easily diagnosed during a simple examination by an ophthalmologist.
How is strabismus treated?
Surgery is the most common treatment for strabismus in children and adults. Treatment for strabismus depends on the type, age of the child or person, eye health of the child, and other factors. Treatment options include glasses or contact lenses, prism lenses, eye movement exercises, Botox injections, eye patches to treat lazy eye (amblyopia), and surgery. Surgery is the most common treatment for strabismus in children.
How does Dr. Nasser perform strabismus surgery in children?
Dr. Nasser performs strabismus correction surgery in children under general anesthesia, where the child is "asleep", and there is no need to stay overnight in the hospital. The surgery is performed on one eye or both eyes, depending on the type and degree of strabismus. During the operation, Dr. Nasser exposes the eye muscles through a deep tissue on the eye inside the eyelid (Fornix).
This way, no scars appear after surgery. The eye muscles are then exposed to change their position inside the eye. The tissues are closed with thin sutures that are hidden inside the eye and cannot be seen after surgery. These sutures dissolve automatically within two weeks, and there is no need to remove them. At the end of the operation, a transparent mask is placed on the eye. The child is allowed to return home immediately after the operation, while adhering to the specific instructions, and then comes the next day for a medical check-up at the clinic.
What happens if strabismus is not treated?
If strabismus is neglected and left untreated, it will worsen and cause blindness, lazy eye, eye strain, fatigue, headaches, double vision, poor three-dimensional vision, and loss of self-confidence (embarrassment due to the appearance of the eyes).