Strabismus surgery can significantly improve both vision and quality of life for adults struggling with misaligned eyes. At PES Adult Strabismus Center, we specialize in providing personalized care for individuals dealing with this condition. Our experienced team is here to help you explore your options and determine the best approach for your unique needs.
Schedule a consultation today with PES Adult Strabismus Center to learn how we can help restore proper eye alignment and improve your visual function.
What is Strabismus Surgery for Adults?
Strabismus surgery for adults is a surgical procedure designed to correct eye misalignment by adjusting the muscles responsible for eye movement. At PES Adult Strabismus Center, our team specializes in this surgery, helping adult patients who experience misaligned or crossed eyes.
The surgery involves either shortening or tightening eye muscles by cutting or folding them, or loosening muscles by repositioning their attachment point. Depending on the patient’s specific needs, the procedure can be done on one or both eyes.
The diagram above shows a muscle being shortened on one side of the eye and lengthened on another to correct misalignment. This pulls the eye back into the correct position.
At PES Adult Strabismus Center, the surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia, allowing patients to return home the same day. In some cases, local anesthesia with sedation may be used. Our goal is to help restore proper eye alignment, improve visual function, and enhance the overall quality of life for adults affected by strabismus.
14 Benefits of Strabismus Surgery for Adults
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- Improved ocular alignment: Around 70% of patients achieve satisfactory eye alignment with just one surgical procedure.
- Enhanced binocular vision: Many adults see improvements in binocular vision, even if they have had strabismus for years.
- Expanded visual fields: In patients with esotropia, surgery often expands binocular visual fields, improving overall sight.
- Restored stereopsis: Some patients regain 3D vision, recovering measurable stereoacuity after surgery.
- Reduction in double vision: Strabismus surgery often eliminates or greatly reduces double vision, enhancing safety during daily activities like driving.
- Increased self-esteem: Patients commonly report a boost in self-confidence after their eyes are realigned.
- Improved social interactions: Corrected eye alignment allows for better eye contact, enhancing communication in social settings.
- Career advancements: Proper eye alignment can positively affect job opportunities and career progression.
- Better quality of life: The overall quality of life improves to such an extent that many would trade a portion of their life expectancy to be free of strabismus.
- Better coordination: Correcting the misalignment can restore coordination, particularly in those affected by double vision.
- Increased safety: By eliminating double vision, patients experience enhanced safety in everyday activities.
- Reduced need for prism glasses: In some cases, surgery reduces the dependence on heavy, uncomfortable prism glasses.
- Insurance Covered: Strabismus surgery for adults is considered reconstructive surgery, making it eligible for insurance coverage in many cases.
- Low risk: The procedure carries a low risk, with serious complications being rare.
- Improved ocular alignment: Around 70% of patients achieve satisfactory eye alignment with just one surgical procedure.
What is the recovery like after strabismus surgery for adults?
The recovery after strabismus surgery for adults at PES Adult Strabismus Center is generally straightforward and performed on an outpatient basis, allowing you to go home the same day. We recommend that patients rest and limit physical activities for about a week to promote proper healing. During this time, you’ll be given prescribed eye drops or ointment to prevent infection and support recovery. At PES Adult Strabismus Center, our team will schedule follow-up appointments to closely monitor your progress and make sure everything is healing as expected. Most patients see significant improvements in eye alignment and experience relief from double vision shortly after the procedure, leading to enhanced vision and daily functioning.
Does insurance pay for strabismus surgery for adults?
Most insurance companies do cover strabismus surgery for adults because it is considered a medical procedure to correct a functional disability. At PES Adult Strabismus Center, we work with your insurance provider to ensure you receive the coverage you’re entitled to. Some insurance plans may require pre-authorization, and occasionally, an insurance company may initially deny coverage. In those cases, our team will contact the insurer directly to explain the medical necessity of the surgery. In most situations, we are able to secure approval. It is now rare for insurance companies to refuse payment for this surgery.
Get Strabismus Surgery at one of our DFW Locations
If you need adult strabismus surgery, visit the PES Adult Strabismus Center at one our five DFW locations for a consultation.
- Fort Worth, TX
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Denton, TX
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Mansfield, TX
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Prosper, TX
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Southlake, TX
Request Your Consultation Today!
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FAQs about Adult Strabismus Surgery
How long does strabismus surgery take for adults?
Strabismus surgery lasts between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity and whether one or both eyes are treated. At PES Adult Strabismus Center, we ensure that the procedure is efficient and tailored to each patient’s needs. After surgery, patients are typically monitored briefly before being discharged the same day.
Is strabismus surgery painful for adults?
Strabismus surgery is performed under anesthesia, and while you won’t feel any pain during the procedure, some discomfort after surgery is common. We use techniques that minimize post-operative discomfort, including placement of pain medicine around the eye at the end of surgery. The team at PES Adult Strabismus Center will provide guidance on pain management and therapy to help you recover comfortably.
Will I need more than one surgery for strabismus as an adult?
Strabismus surgery is performed under anesthesia, and while you won’t feel any pain during the procedure, some discomfort after surgery is common. We use techniques that minimize post-operative discomfort, including placement of pain medicine around the eye at the end of surgery. The team at PES Adult Strabismus Center will provide guidance on pain management and therapy to help you recover comfortably.
Can adults with long-standing strabismus still benefit from surgery?
Yes, adults with long-standing strabismus can still benefit from surgery. Even after many years, surgery can improve ocular alignment, reduce double vision, and enhance overall quality of life. PES Adult Strabismus Center specializes in treating adult patients with both recent and long-standing cases of strabismus.
What are the risks of strabismus surgery for adults?
As with any surgery, there are some risks, such as infection, over- or under-correction of the alignment, or double vision. However, complications are rare, and strabismus surgery is generally considered safe. At PES Adult Strabismus Center, our experienced surgeons take every precaution to minimize risks and ensure the best possible outcomes.
How long will I need to take off work after strabismus surgery?
Most adults can return to work within a week of surgery, although this can vary based on individual healing and the type of work performed. PES Adult Strabismus Center advises patients to avoid strenuous activities and allow for rest during recovery. We provide detailed instructions to help you resume daily activities as soon as safely possible.
Can strabismus surgery fix double vision in adults?
Yes, one of the main benefits of strabismus surgery is the reduction or elimination of diplopia (double vision). Many patients notice significant improvements in their visual perception and ability to see clearly after the surgery. PES Adult Strabismus Center works to ensure surgery enhances both eye alignment and depth perception.
What type of anesthesia is used during strabismus surgery for adults?
Strabismus surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, although some adults may opt for local anesthesia with sedation. PES Adult Strabismus Center will discuss the best anesthesia option for you based on your health and comfort level, ensuring a safe and smooth procedure.
How soon will I see results after strabismus surgery?
Many adults notice improvements in eye alignment immediately after surgery, but the final results may take a few weeks as swelling subsides and healing progresses. At PES Adult Strabismus Center, we guide patients through the recovery process and monitor results during follow-up visits to ensure long-term success.
Can strabismus surgery be performed on older adults?
Yes, age is generally not a limiting factor for strabismus surgery, as long as the patient is in good overall health. At PES Adult Strabismus Center, we assess each patient’s medical condition and vision goals to determine the best approach, helping patients of all ages achieve improved vision and eye alignment.
What type of sutures and techniques are used during strabismus surgery?
Strabismus surgery involves adjusting the extraocular muscles controlling the human eye using precise techniques and dissolvable sutures. At PES Adult Strabismus Center, we may use adjustable sutures, which allow for fine-tuning eye alignment post-surgery. In some cases, Botulinum toxin (Botox) may also be used to temporarily weaken overactive muscles.
Dr. Eric A. Packwood is an ophthalmologist providing strabismus treatment and surgery at the PES Adult Strabismus Center in the DFW region. Dr. Packwood is also a partner at Pediatric Eye Specialists, President of the Child Vision Center, and the Administrative Director of Ophthalmology at Cook Children’s Medical Center. He graduated from Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine, and completed his ophthalmology residency at St. Louis University as chief resident, followed by a fellowship at Washington University.
Since moving to Fort Worth in 2000, Dr. Packwood has been recognized as a “Super Doctor” by Texas Monthly and a “Top Doc” by Fort Worth, Texas magazine. He volunteers at the Alexander Eye Clinic and is involved in medical mission work for underprivileged children. Dr. Packwood has also published several peer-reviewed articles and participated in multiple clinical trials.