No CommentsMany patients apply to us to undergo strabismus surgery due to complaints of misalignment of the eyes. However, not every patient is suitable for squint surgery. Especially in cases where we can not treat or control with eye glasses, patching, exercises or other therapies, then surgical intervention is becoming a valuable option.
Strabismus (squint, cross eyes) causes difficulties in social life for adults and inhibits visual development in babies and children, leading to the problem called as lazy eye. On the other hand, not every case of strabismus is treated in the same way, and there is not only one type of strabismus disease. There are many different types of strabismus, and each can manifest in different ways in each patient. Therefore, individual treatment plans vary.
In summary; among the strabismus treatment options, we have to resort to the option of squint surgery in our patients who do not benefit from glasses and exercises. Strabismus surgery is currently the most effective and beneficial treatment option applied for many patients.
- Glasses (prismatic or standard prescription glasses)
- Occlusion therapy
- Neurotoxin injections
- Bupivacaine injection
- Strabismus exercises
- Squint surgery (eye muscle surgery)
Correction of vision problems can be achieved through glasses, contact lenses, or laser surgery. If there is lazy eye, occlusion therapy, and glasses therapy are applied.
Eye alignment surgery; comes into consideration if the above solution methods cannot be applied or are not beneficial. Treatment of eye misalignment in adults is different from children. In adults, occlusion therapy is not applied; instead, prismatic glasses and neurotoxin applications are considered earlier.
In adults, situations such as a previous misalignment reoccurring or reduced vision in one eye can occur. In these cases, patients tend to become more despairing. However, surgical correction can also be made for lazy eye deviations.
The treatment of strabismus varies in each patient, so please do not directly consider the information here for yourself. For the treatment of eye misalignment, it is necessary to determine and perform the most appropriate treatment after a detailed examination and evaluation.
The treatment of eye misalignment is carried out entirely by balancing the strength of the eye muscles with surgical skill and experience. In the techniques applied here, the most common are the retraction of the eye muscles serving a weakening function, while shortening serves a strengthening function. On the other hand, techniques such as changing the positions of the eye muscles (transposition) or weakening them are also used sometimes.
Strabismus Surgery
Strabismus surgery is preferred when positive responses are not received from glasses or other treatment methods in people experiencing eye misalignment issues. Strabismus surgery can be performed in infancy or childhood as well as at any age during adulthood.
For strabismus surgery, general anesthesia is preferred in babies and children, whereas local or general anesthesia is preferred in adults. The strength of some of the six muscles located within the eye structure is increased by performing procedures on them. Alternatively, squint surgery can also be applied by reducing the strength of some muscles or changing their points of effect.
The procedures to be applied to the muscles for eye alignment surgery can vary depending on the strabismus condition in the eye or eyes. In cases of inward or outward strabismus or when one eye is turned to the outer angle, the muscle is weakened.
Can I Have Squint Surgery at Any Age?
Contrary to popular belief, squint surgery can be performed at any age, even in adulthood. However, early intervention is crucial in cases of strabismus that are congenital or developed later during childhood. Performing surgery in the early stages after the necessary eye tracking and examinations can yield healthier results.
Therefore, it is possible to say that there is no specific age limit for strabismus surgery, whether in infancy or adulthood. However, at this point, what is important is whether there is a response to the use of glasses or to other treatments.
Squint surgery can be performed for everyone from infancy onwards, without an age limit. In cases where the responses to other treatment methods are negative, the type of strabismus can be identified, and surgery can be performed at any age.
How Much Does Strabismus Surgery Cost?
One of the most frequently asked questions concerns the cost of strabismus surgery. To address this, it’s important to note that the cost typically ranges between $1,500 and $4,000 USD. Let’s talk about the details, benefits, and costs associated with this procedure.
Most types of strabismus can generally be corrected, at least cosmetically. Choosing not to undergo this operation means living with the condition and its disadvantages for the rest of one’s life. Therefore, both having and not having the surgery come with their own costs.
On the other hand, resolving this issue and experiencing recovery can be transformative. It’s not just about spending money; it’s about regaining confidence and quality of life. Thus, investing in this surgery can be highly beneficial.
The interventions to be made within strabismus surgery, which lasts approximately 30 – 60 minutes, are determined according to the individual’s condition. Before the squint surgery, through various tests, it is determined by the doctor which muscles need to be intervened with during squint surgery.
Depending on the increase in the number of muscles that need intervention, the duration of the surgery may extend. Due to these mentioned circumstances, the cost of strabismus surgery varies.
Depending on your health condition and the period in which you will have the surgery, strabismus surgery prices may also vary. To access accurate price information, direct contact should be made with the doctor or the doctor’s assistants. A detailed strabismus examination is necessary to obtain definite information regarding the cost of strabismus surgery.
Online Consultation
We can provide precise fee information through online consultations with our patients who want to undergo surgery due to strabismus. In this consultation, we learn in detail about the development story of strabismus. For many strabismus patients, old photographs, and the development story of the disease help in determining the type of the condition. Additionally, we get information about double vision, the ability of the eyes to move, the type of deviation, lazy eye, and amplitude.
During the consultation, we also explain the success rate and possible risks personalized to the individual.
We can also provide information about travel and accommodation to Turkey (Izmir). For detailed information about online consultations, you can contact us via WhatsApp.
Risks of Squint Surgery
Even though we don’t often encounter these problems post-surgery, it is important that patients are correctly informed about these issues. Possible postoperative problems include:
- Redness and stinging in the eyes (usually resolves within 15 days or a month)
- Undercorrection and overcorrection (may resolve over time or may require a second procedure; monitoring is necessary)
- Double vision (usually temporary)
- Superficial infection (especially occurs when medications are not used regularly)
- Loss of vision, which is a very very rare complication.
