Strabismus Surgery: What It Is, Who Needs It, and What to Expect
When your eyes don’t line up properly—when one turns in, out, up, or down while the other looks straight—that’s strabismus, a condition where the eyes point in different directions, causing double vision or depth perception issues. Also known as crossed eyes, it’s not just a cosmetic issue. Left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss in one eye, especially in children. Strabismus surgery is the most common and effective fix for cases that don’t respond to glasses, patches, or vision therapy.
This procedure targets the eye muscles, the six small muscles around each eye that control its movement. Surgeons either shorten, lengthen, or reposition these muscles to balance the pull on the eyeball. It’s not brain surgery—it’s precise, minimally invasive, and usually done as an outpatient. Most adults and kids over age 3 can have it under local or general anesthesia. Recovery is quick: redness fades in a week, full movement returns in a few weeks. You won’t need stitches that come out; modern ones dissolve on their own.
Not everyone with misaligned eyes needs surgery. Some kids respond to glasses or patching. Others benefit from vision therapy, a structured program of eye exercises designed to improve how the eyes work together. But if the eye turn is constant, large, or causing double vision, surgery is the only way to realign the eyes properly. Studies show over 80% of patients get significant improvement after one surgery. Some need a second tweak later, especially if the condition is linked to neurological issues or was present since birth.
What’s often overlooked is how strabismus affects daily life. Kids get teased. Adults avoid eye contact. Depth perception suffers, making driving, sports, or even pouring coffee harder. Surgery doesn’t just fix how your eyes look—it fixes how your brain uses them. After surgery, many report fewer headaches, better reading focus, and more confidence.
The posts below cover related topics you might not expect: how eye drops like Cyclogyl affect muscle movement before surgery, how convergence insufficiency overlaps with strabismus, and why certain medications can interfere with recovery. You’ll also find practical advice on managing post-op swelling, what to do if double vision returns, and how to tell if your child’s eye turn is getting worse. This isn’t just about the scalpel—it’s about restoring normal vision, one muscle at a time.
Strabismus: Understanding Eye Misalignment and When Surgery Is Needed
Strabismus, or eye misalignment, affects 5% of children and can cause double vision and depth perception problems. Surgery is often needed when glasses and therapy don't work, with success rates up to 85% in young children.