Strabismus Surgery in Dubai: An Informative Guide

Strabismus, also known as crossed eyes or squint, is a condition where the eyes do not align properly. It can affect both children and adults. In Dubai, there are excellent medical facilities and specialists who offer effective treatments, including Strabismus Surgery in Dubai . This article provides an overview of strabismus, the surgical procedure, benefits, risks, and post-operative care.
Understanding Strabismus
Strabismus occurs when the muscles controlling eye movement are not balanced. This imbalance causes one eye to turn in a different direction than the other. It can lead to double vision and affect depth perception. There are different types of strabismus, such as esotropia (inward turning), exotropia (outward turning), hypertropia (upward turning), and hypotropia (downward turning).
Causes of Strabismus
The exact cause of strabismus is not always known. However, it can be due to genetics, problems with the eye muscles, or nerve damage. Other contributing factors include:
- Poor vision in one eye
- Cerebral palsy
- Down syndrome
- Stroke or head injury
- Eye injuries
Symptoms of Strabismus
The most noticeable symptom of strabismus is the misalignment of the eyes. Other symptoms include:
- Double vision
- Squinting or closing one eye
- Poor depth perception
- Eyes that do not move together
- Head tilting
Diagnosis of Strabismus
An eye doctor will perform a comprehensive eye exam to diagnose strabismus. The exam includes checking the eye alignment, visual acuity, and the overall health of the eyes. Early detection is crucial, especially in children, as untreated strabismus can lead to permanent vision problems.
Strabismus Surgery Overview
Strabismus surgery is a common and effective treatment. The surgery aims to correct the alignment of the eyes by adjusting the eye muscles. It is usually performed under general anesthesia and can take about one to two hours. The procedure involves the following steps:
- Anaesthesia: The patient is given general anaesthesia to ensure comfort during the surgery.
- Incision: The surgeon makes a small incision in the tissue covering the eye to access the eye muscles.
- Adjusting the Muscles: The surgeon either shortens or repositions the muscles to align the eyes properly.
- Closing the Incision: The incision is closed with sutures that dissolve on their own.
Benefits of Strabismus Surgery
Strabismus surgery offers several benefits, including:
- Improved eye alignment
- Better binocular vision
- Enhanced depth perception
- Reduced eye strain
- Increased confidence and self-esteem
Risks and Complications
Like any surgery, strabismus surgery comes with potential risks and complications. These can include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Overcorrection or undercorrection of the eye alignment
- Double vision
- Scarring
Post-Operative Care
After the surgery, proper care is essential for a smooth recovery. Patients should follow these post-operative care tips:
- Rest: Take plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activities for at least a week.
- Medication: Use prescribed eye drops and ointments to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
- Avoid Rubbing Eyes: Do not rub or press on the eyes to avoid disrupting the healing process.
- Follow-Up Visits: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor the healing progress and address any concerns.
- Use Protective Eyewear: Wear sunglasses to protect the eyes from bright light and dust.
Recovery Time
The recovery time for strabismus surgery varies from person to person. Most patients can return to their normal activities within a week. However, it can take several weeks for the eyes to fully heal and for vision to stabilise. It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions during this period.
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