Adult Strabismus Surgery

We have been recognized for years as one of the leading pediatric ophthalmology practices in the U.S. Many people are surprised to learn that Kids Eye Care of Maryland is also among the leading providers of adult strabismus treatment and surgery!

Our team of board-certified physicians are highly regarded as experts in providing comprehensive adult strabismus evaluation, treatment, and surgery, and we create customized treatment plans based on the unique needs of each patient. After evaluation, our staff will explain the treatment plan which has been recommended and discuss specific options available to you.

Our Expert Surgeons Perform All Adult Strabismus Surgeries

Unlike large teaching hospitals, your care and surgery are performed only by board-certified, highly experienced surgeons — never trainees. Procedures can be scheduled at either a hospital or an ambulatory surgery center for your convenience.

Because eye-muscle surgery works on the muscles outside the eye – not inside the eyeball – it has an excellent safety record, involves no skin incision (no external scar), and usually has a short recovery.

Our goals are the best possible eye alignment, comfortable single binocular vision, depth perception, relief from double vision, expanded field of vision when applicable, and meaningful improvements in daily function and quality of life.

With 25+ years of focus on strabismus at Kids Eye Care of Maryland, we tailor care to each patient. Sometimes the right glasses or targeted therapy are all that’s needed. When surgery is recommended, you’ll be in the hands of surgeons who perform this procedure every day.

Q. Can anything be done for adults with misaligned eyes?

A. Yes! Recent advances allow most adults with misaligned eyes to experience the amazing benefits of surgical correction. Many of our adult strabismus patients were previously told they were not a good candidate for surgery, and now have great binocular vision after outpatient eye muscle surgery performed by one of our experienced surgeons.

Q. Will surgery be performed at a hospital?

A. If eye muscle surgery is recommended for you following consultation, your surgery would take place at the hospital or outpatient surgery center.

Q. Is eye straightening as an adult strictly cosmetic?

A. No. Eye alignment surgery improves eye function and vision quality in most adults and is viewed as medical, reconstructive – it is not cosmetic.

Q. Does my insurance cover the expense of this surgery?

A. Eye muscle surgery is viewed as medical, reconstructive, and not cosmetic. This means your insurance company will likely consider eye muscle surgery in a similar way as they would if you were to have a broken arm. We advise all patients to check with the insurance carrier to determine their specific policy.

Q. Is eye muscle surgery risky for adults?

A. No. However, every surgical procedure has some risks. For strabismus surgery, the most common risks are residual misalignment and double vision (usually temporary). Health risks vary with the general health of the individual.

Q. How successful is eye muscle surgery?

A. Most individuals have significant improvement in eye alignment with one surgery. Occasionally the surgery is only partially successful and additional surgery may be indicated.

Q. How painful is this type of surgery?

A. Discomfort after eye muscle surgery is usually a foreign body sensation in the eye, lasting several days. Over-the-counter pain medication often reduces the discomfort, although stronger medication is sometimes prescribed. Most patients return to full activity in several days. Some surgeons limit swimming and heavy physical activity for several weeks after surgery.

Q. What age is “too old” to have eye muscle surgery?

A. Eyes can be straightened at any age! Following your consultation we will discuss all available options.

Q. I am embarrassed by my misaligned eyes and avoid looking people in the eye. It seems to me that people are distracted by my wandering eye causing problems with social interaction and difficulty getting the job I want. Can this really be true?

A. Yes. Recent studies confirm these observations. Misaligned eyes can hinder social interaction, self-confidence and employment opportunities. All individuals deserve straight eyes if possible.

Q. Is hospitalization required for eye alignment surgery? How will this affect normal activities?

A. Eye alignment surgery is almost always performed as an outpatient procedure. Following surgery most individuals return to nearly all normal activities within a few days.

Learn more about Adult Strabismus Surgery: AAPOS – Adult Strabismus Surgery