Pediatric Strabismus Surgery

The earlier in life strabismus surgery is performed in children the better the chance of achieving normal vision in both eyes.

The procedure to recess or resect one or more of the six extraocular muscles that allow the eye to turn in, turn out, or rotate up or down is called strabismus surgery, or eye muscle surgery. The extraocular muscles allow the eye to turn in or turn out, or rotate up or down.

What to Tell Your Child About Surgery
It is important to prepare your child for their surgery, generally a day or two before the procedure.

Consider telling a 2 or 3-year-old child that they will be going to a hospital/surgery center and the doctor will be fixing your eye. They will be asleep while their eye is being fixed, and that you will be with them when they wake up. Let them know that they will not be able to drink, eat breakfast or even brush their teeth the morning of their procedure.

Usually this all a younger child needs to know - they simply need your reassurance.

Recovery from Strabismus Surgery

Recovery is usually uneventful and smooth. Some sleepiness may persist after awakening from the general anesthetic. You may drink and eat as tolerated; temporary nausea or vomiting is possible. Discomfort or pain is usually controlled with Tylenol.