Eyes Apart: Living with strabismus

By george alexanian on Nov 16, 2005 | Reply

I have had strabismus since I was 2 years old in France. I had a high fever and it was customary to not give children anything to drink with a fever-what a tragedy. Since that time, I had my right eye turned inward. I had surgery when I was 11 in France, but did not do the exercises they recommended, so my right eye became progressively lazy, drifting outward. Now I am 59 and have decided to take care of it, but it will be pretty much for cosmetic reasons and self esteem since whenever I try to see out of my right eye I see double and the vision cannot be fuzed with prisms. I will have just my right eye done. How long did your procedure take, and did you have both eyes done? Did you have the adjustable procedure, and how straight are your eyes now?

Thanks for the info
George

By Yekta on Nov 18, 2005 | Reply

I have severe spasm of accomodation near 5 years, that atropine does not help to induced it too, following this condition my eyes get esodeviation and diplopia.
I use prism for this disorders with

By Yekta on Nov 18, 2005 | Reply

OD. 15 PRISM DIOPTRES and OS. 20 PRISM DIOPTRES (Base out) but I don’t like prism therapy and OU -4 FOR PSUEDO-MYOPIA. I wan’t to know am I good canidate for srabismus syrgery to relieve from diplopia as soon as possible.
Thanks a lot
Sincerely yours,

By Rev. James Miller on Mar 21, 2006 | Reply

I’m a 54 year old evangelist preacher with strabismus in the left eye. Sometimes it get hard standing in front of a crowd of people preaching! I see some can’t handle it and I know some are wandering what is he doing up there,like I don’t know about my eye! Some times I just want to quit, but The Good Lord has called me to spread the Gospel and I must listen to him rather than what others say. I say that if they came to look at my eyes , than they will miss the message!!! I’m considering surgery, will have to pay for it myself. I would like to ask anyone what do you see or feel during surgery? I will choose a local anastesia. I pray everyday for all who has this problem . Thanks and anyone can e-mail me if you wish. God Bless all who reads this message!!!

By Rev. James Miller on Mar 22, 2006 | Reply

Can anyone out there help me, I’m an evangelist with strabismus in the left eye. I am 53 yrs. old and had this problem since the age of 4 yrs.old. Was raised in a poor family without a dad, but a very good mom! It gets hard sometimes standing in front of a group of people knowing that everybody is looking at you,even some other preachers won’t allow me to preach at their church. I guess they are embarass of me. Well, I say this… if they came to look at my eyes, then they will miss the message! God has called me to preach, so I must answer His call. I’m considering surgery. The doctor said it would take about 20 minutes. My question is…. is there anyone out there that had this surgery answer please answer a few questions. (1) what do you see and or feel during surgery? I will do this under a local anastesia I pray every day for all those brothers and sisters of mine out there in this cold and cruel world with this same problem to have Joy & Peace! God Bless all who reads this. Anyone can e-mail at evangelistjimmymiller@yahoo.com

By Colin on Apr 4, 2006 | Reply

Well i got strabismus when i was 1 and im 21 now. One of my eyes looks outwards, one will alway be straight though. both are straight with glasses. I’ve been wearing glasses ever since, one thing i hated is having to grow up wearing thick glasses, but whatever. My eye sight was the biggest problem i face, i dont think i have that bad of vision except with reading small text or text far away. I dont know maybe i do have really bad vision but i have no idea what its like to have good vision. I didnt really care i had this problem til i was 14 when i went to get my learners license and failed the eye exam. Since than ive always been a little depressed over that, its hard. So i was wondering if there is surgery to improve my sight enough to get a license?

By Robert on May 3, 2006 | Reply

I am 57 years old and need strabismus surgery o the right eye that drifts outward. This is only for cosmetic reasons due to a childhood injury. Has anyone had the surgery using a local anesthesia?

By Claire on May 9, 2006 | Reply

I am 52 years old and am considering having repeat strabismus surgery. My first surgery was at age 20 which left my eye undercorrected and was given the option to have a second corrective surgery. I had a second surgery hoping this surgery would more closely correct the alignment of my eyes. The result was a major overcorrection resulting with very much of an outward turn and no chance for future corrective surgery.

Thirty years later I was given the opportunity to have strabismus surgery much to my delight as I never dreamed this was ever an option for me. I had surgery on my straight eye which was much more of a challenge as this surgery was being done on the domainent eye. This surgery corrected the turn 50 % leaving my lazy eye still turning out.
Now after Orthoptics testing and having the option for a third surgery on my lazy eye I am now trying to make the right decision for me. I would so love to look in the mirror and see my eye looking straighter. Can you give me any information which will help me to decide what to do. Also what about scar tissue from previous surgeries. I would appreciate any information to help me decide

By Kathleen on Jul 12, 2006 | Reply

Maybe I can share my experiences with stabismus surgery. I had cataract surgery 6 years ago, and because of the anesthesia shot placement I had partial parlesys of a muscle in my left eye. The result was diagonal dyplopia, which could be partially corrected with prism glasses, but not at all distances. Since I am a senior citizen, I wanted lasik surgery to correct acute near-sightedness. However, the Lasik surgeon would not do it until the dyplopia was corrected. My optmetrist found a surgeon on the west coast that has been highly recommended. He did the first surgery in Oct. 2005. There was very little discomfort. I was under anesthesia for the surgery, but they awakened me, had me sit up and the doctor adjusted the sutures while I read a vision chart. Then he sutured up the small incision they make. Some discomfort, but no pain. I went from the hospital to lunch, to an afternoon of shopping with a friend so you know it is not at all painfull. However, as the muscle healed, it attached itself to an underlying tendon and I went from 6 dyopters, diagonally up, to 14 dyopters in the opposite direction. I spent three miserable months, not able to see much of anything, until the second surgery could be performed. It was done, again with a minimum of discomfort. Because of the healing complications with the first surgery, it was difficult to get the exact muscle placement during the second. Now I have almost the same amount of dyplopia that I had originally. The surgeon and my local doctor both agree that a third surgery is necessary to obtain perfect or near perfect vision. I am willing to undergo whatever is neccesary for the proper correction. After years of perfect vision (I was extremely near sighted, but had excellent correction with first hard contacts that I tolerated very well, and then soft contacts with monovision) double vision has affected my way of life tremendously. I have trouble with my balance, (I am an equestrian and a golfer). Now I have multiple sets of glasses, over contacts, for near and far vision plus prisms. I am not going to live the rest of my life that way, and I will have surgery until it is corrected. Good luck to the rest of you, if you would like any further information, please contact me. Just remember, as we speak, more sophistication is being developed and better techniques are available for corrective surgery. Its a matter of finding the right professsionals that are capable, and having the confidence in them to persevere.

By Dawn on Aug 13, 2006 | Reply

I’m set to have strabismus surgery in 5 days. I’ve had this condition since I was little (I’m 25 now.) which I inherited from my mom. I’m very excited yet a little apprehensive as I really need my eye site as I am a nurse and have 3 small children (4,2, and 3 months). If anyone can help in easing my fears please reply back. Thank you!

By Gina on Sep 4, 2006 | Reply

Q: My son was 20 months old when he had a brain tumor removed from his cerebellum. Two months after the surgery, his right eye began to drift inward. We took him to Casey Eye Institute in Portland, Oregon and he was fitted for eye glasses. He also has poor eyesight. The glasses correct his inward strabismus.

My question is we were told by the specialists at CEI and his local eye doctor that there is NO treatment for strabismus and that he will have to wear glasses forever. Yet I hear others discussing surgery?? Are there different types of strabismus’ that perhaps makes his in-operable?

My son is now almost 11 and hates wearing glasses. Contacts are not an option as they would be extremely expensive and we were told he wouldn’t see very well with them and I can’t justify paying $600 a pair when the end result would be poor vision.

Thank you in advance for any input, comments, information, etc.

By sandy on Sep 7, 2006 | Reply

Has any adult over 40 had a successful experience with strabimus surgery for an eye that turns in? Is it crazy to have surgery at this age? Will this cause the eyes to drift more? Thanks for any comments.

By Lucretia on Feb 11, 2007 | Reply

Hi, i’m 25 years old now and i’ve had strabismus for as long as i can remember. i was told that i inherited it from my mom who also has it slightly, now my borther’s first born son has it too so i guess it runs in the family, i don’t know. anyway i’ve been seriously thinking about getting this surgery done, because lately my eyes have been bothering me, and also for self confindence reasons. i’ve always felt very self conscious because of my eyes and can’t look people in their eyes because of it. well i wanted to know if it is corrective on someone at my age, i’m afraid that if i do this surgery it will only get worse. i have learned over the years to straigthen my eyes, u can’t tell that i have strabismus from looking at any of my pictures but i can’t hold them straight because my vision gets blurry. it’s mostly in my right eye, it’s like i can straigten my right eye but then the left turns out and when the left is straight then the right turns out. my left eye is i guess my stronger eye. i don’t know what to do

By Lucretia on Feb 13, 2007 | Reply

how much does the surgery cost basically?…here in my country it’s around 1,000 U.S. dollars

By Martin on Feb 21, 2007 | Reply

Its been exactly a week since my strabismus surgery. I’m 34 years old and I’ve suffered from extopia for about the last 23 years of those. At least I never seen a picture of me cock-eyed before he age of 11. I had to have both my eyes done at the same time and I’m still in a bit of pain and the redness is only starting to go down but in truth its probably looks more painful than it is and I’ve a tendency to moan anyway ! I’ve had very little double vision and the surgeon tells me that everyone gets double vision with this but it goes away - he’d had only to revert one surgery in 25 years for a patient who couldn’t adapt. But I noticed the coolest thing today ;- I was actually looking people straight in the eye and holding their attention I wish I’d done this years ago ….

By antoinette on Feb 22, 2007 | Reply

I pray that all remains well with you

By Ally on Apr 27, 2007 | Reply

I was diagnosed with strabismus at 18 months. My family constantly pressured me to wear the coke bottle glasses, but I was a stubborn baby, so I never did. I think the reflecting light from the lenses came into my peripheral vision and was distracting. My left eye has always been straight, but my right eye drifted in. I had strabismus surgery on both eyes when I was nine. My eyes were perfect and I was finally happy to be able to make eye contact. Then, at 14 my right eye began drifting out. My doctor prescribed contacts, which I wore until I was 17 and no longer had insurance. I finally got insurance again two years ago. I went to a specialist and he prescribed extremely thick glasses, loaded with prism. When I put them on my eyes watered and I felt the skin on my forehead peel back. The doctor sent me on my way and told me I would adjust. I realized I had no depth perception as I tripped down the stairs exiting his office. That night I had one of the worst migraines of my life. I went back to the doctor and told him the glasses were giving me migraines. He sort of laughed at me, told me it was impossible and sent me on my way. I was depressed because I wanted surgery to correct the problem. After years of migraines and diplopia, I just wanted this to stop. So, this year (I am now 24) I found a doctor who specializes in strabismus, and wants to operate in May. He thinks the lateral rectus recession surgery will work quite nicely for me. I am not apprehensive about the surgery. My doctor is the head professor at the ophthalmology department at my university, so I feel as if I am in good hands. I have already lost a good deal of vision in my right eye, but with the surgery my doctor thinks the diplopia and migraines will go away. My advice for anyone who reads this blog is to be your own advocate. If you feel as if your doctor is blowing smoke or not giving you the right answers, find one who that is willing to listen. Don’t let a few years pass, thinking one guy was right because that’s vision you will have lost when your eyes could have already been corrected. After all, you have lived with the condition and are the expert.

By leslie jonas on Jun 16, 2007 | Reply

My daughter was born premature. She had what is commonly seen in premies, retinopathy prematurity, which corrected and stabilized while in the NICU. At 14 mos old, we discovered she needed glasses for her right eye. 20/20 in the left eye, 20/30 in the right eye. As she grew, her right eye developed intermittent exotropia. It apeared mostly when she was using long vision - her right eye would go out. We patched for 2 - 3 years diligently and it worked for only a month or 2 only to see that it would completely go back out. She then became a candidate for strabismus eye muscle surgery. Well, the best time to do this surgery is between ages 5 and 7 so, being the type A personality that I am, I chose 6 years old. Surgery went well only to discover that her early, post-op diplopia (commonly see after this surgery for upwards of 2 - 3 mos) never went away.
She was over-corrected (something they want to do a little of) to the point of crossing and thus suffers diplopia that won’t resolve.
After 10 mos of frustrating Ophthalomoly appts all over the city of Boston for 2nd, 3rd, 4th and even 5th opinions, one man wants to completely help her. A Pediatric Optometrist specializing in vision therapy and orthoptic solutions.
He cannot believe that she has been left like this. Noone at Children’s Hospital wants to deal with her diplopia now.
Imagine my discontent and frustration. My daughter now falls, broke her ankle 3 mos after the surgery, has diplopia most of the time and has a fear of heights. All since the surgery.
I will fight for her until this is resolved and we will find a solution. No child should be left like this and where is the medical accountability, ownership, sense of patient follow-up, resolution I ask?? I would fly to the moon if it meant that her Diplopia would be resolved. PLEASE HELP. WE NEED conservative pediatric medical support. Is there a surgery that will loosen the over-corrected muscle a bit? What are the risks?
thank you

By Deborah on Jul 6, 2007 | Reply

Hello.
I had eye muscle surgery 3 days ago on my left eye. It drifted outwards when I was tired or actually whenever it wanted to. After the surgery, I was in a bit of pain. I had a bad headache and my eye was swollen shut. The swelling got worse the next day and today I finally got my eye to open. It was very bloodshot but the good thing was is that it is straight. I guess it takes about 6 weeks to see the final outcome, but the eye doctor says it looks good so far. I just want to be able to look at someone and not wonder if my eye is drifting outward. Ya know?

By karim on Sep 24, 2007 | Reply

Hi… Any updates from people who have did the corrective surgery?

By Gale on Oct 27, 2007 | Reply

I am 52 years old and had strabismus surgery on 8/30/07. I had severe double vision for the first 2 weeks following the surgery and persistent headache. My vision has cleared for the most part except driving is very difficult, anything where I have to turn my head or back up, head checks, etc. Also, pretty much every night the double vision returns when I am tired. Anyone have this same scenario and if so, what was the outcome.

By mike on Nov 4, 2007 | Reply

i have this eye deficiency (my left eye is turned inwards) since birth and had surgery only when i was entering college (16 years old). only my left eye underwent the knife so to speak and the doctor advised me to put a patch on my right eye after the operation so that the vision on my left eye would be “honed.” unfortunately this exercise made me nauseous and caused headaches so after only a few days, i decided to stop. now, ten years later, my eyes are like back to square one and i’m really contemplating on giving another surgery a chance. i’m currently working as a web designer/admin and i’m afraid that i might not get to do this job again once i undergo an operation. what do you guys think?

By Zuri on Nov 4, 2007 | Reply

Hi, my left eye turns outward and its been like that i think sincei was 8yrs old and now im 19. i was suppose to get the surgery done this past summer but my insurance ran out (chip program)i guess you could say, and its just been bothering because i just feel like i cant look people straight in the eye unless its my family or a close pesonal friend….i feel like im not good enough to be with anyone because of this problem that i have with my eye but anyway i just wanted to know how much the surgery would cost and if there is any type of insurance i could get that would maybe cover it??

By Tammy on Nov 6, 2007 | Reply

When I was 3 yrs. old I had the first surgery on my right eye. At that time the eye turned in; as the years progressed the eye eventually turned out. I had strabismus surgery in 2003 and the eye got a little better. I had 2 or 3 Botox injections after the surgery but they didn’t really do much. I saw a specialist today and we are going to try a 3rd surgery after the start of the new year. I am somewhat nervous about this (there is risk in any surgery) but am praying that this time it will do the trick. I will try to update after it is done. Wish me luck!!!

By Ben on Nov 7, 2007 | Reply

I’m 23 living in Australia and am undergoing my third surgery tomorrow (only on my left eye though). I was diagnosed before I was 1 year old, it was pretty obvious as I was born totally cross-eyed. I underwent two lots of surgery on both eyes before I was 1 year old.

I’ve never had binocular vision, I don’t see double, but when I purposefully align my eyes all I see is a blur unless I’m really close to something. I’ve almost perfect vision (which appears to be very lucky, as every other person I’ve met with Strabismus has had severe vision problems as well).

From memory I didn’t really have many problems with eye alignment until I was about 14-15 but eventually my eyes move outward. I assume it’s the same for everyone with the same condition: if you use your right eye, left eye turns out, left eye: right eye turns out. But it’s pretty severe now I’m assuming because I usually just use my right eye (even though vision in my left eye is better than my right).

Just a question while I’m talking about this, for some reason my parents were under the impression that when I use one eye, my other one “turned off”, but this has never been the case. Does this actually happen? For me it’s just like having massive peripheral vision, I can’t actually focus the eye not in use (maybe this is what the doctor meant and my parents misunderstood. I actually have impressive peripheral vision due to the misalignment).

I reached the point a couple of years ago where I was sick of saying Hi to someone who didn’t know me, and them searching over their shoulder wondering if I was looking at them, or hearing of people who had met me talking to my friends about “which eye they should look at”. I’m really just overly self-conscious, but I wonder whether I would be if I’d had surgery earlier.

It’s going to be under general anaesthetic. When I asked my doctor about it he pretty much rejected local anaesthetic, but it appears that everyone here seems to be having it done under local. I didn’t really like the idea of local anaesthetic anyway - just the whole instrument in view kind of thing, but if it’s only a 20-30 minute surgery it may have seemed like the better option as I’m now going to be at the place for 5 hours.

I’m just wondering about what kind of recovery times you guys encountered, and whether there was significant post-operative pain? Did you have to have anti-infection eye drops or anything like that?

By Crystal on Nov 9, 2007 | Reply

Hi I just wanted to ask a few questions, I do have insurance, how much do you pay after insurance? Do they take out your eyelashes when they do it? How long does it take? Are you in a lot of pain? Since your surgery how have things gone?

By Ben on Nov 9, 2007 | Reply

Day after surgery now and everything appears to be going well. Crystal: they don’t take eye lashes out at all.

Everything was painless. Was under for an hour and a half, and the surgery took about 40 minutes. My Anaesthesist gave anti-nausea drugs along with the anaesthetic so I didn’t feel sick at all afterwards (she said a lot of the feeling sick is due to the fact that it’s eye surgery, not the anaesthetic, but I felt perfectly fine either way). The nurses and Anaethesist explained everything as she went along, so it was very comforting as I haven’t had surgery since before I was 2 (hence I can’t remember it).

The eye that was operated on was scratchy when I woke up so they gave me panadol through the IV, and there was a little bleeding, but the eyepatch took care of all of that. Had an hour in bed, then an hour in a reclining chair, then they let me go. I had an eyepatch on from the time of my surgery to this morning when I had the post-op checkup. Now the eye patch is off, the eye feels a bit strained, and if I leave it open too long is stings, but I can see fine through it, and my Opthamologist said the eyes are extremely well aligned. I’m not expecting anything more than cosmetic results as I’ve never had binocular vision, so I’m very happy with the results so far. One thing I’ve noticed is that the eye is constantly tearing at the moment too, so I’ve had a tissue with me all morning.

I have to put eye drops in 4 times a day (1xdrop steroid, 1xdrop antibiotic) but other than that, nothing else so far.

So yes. All appears to be well. I’ll keep everyone updated.

By StreetChariot on Nov 16, 2007 | Reply

Hello. I have had the surgery twice in my life and am debating having it done again. I had it done when I was 8 to fix multidirectional drifting in both eyes (I was a test subject at the university med center for the five years prior.. Prisms, red/blue lenses, you name it.). My parents decided to have it done again when I was 15 to increase my depth perception a bit before I started driving…. Which I believe was a horrible idea. Ever since the second surgery I have a 5 degree tilt on my right eye and a 5% shift up on that eye as well. It has been painful for the last 8 years, and now that I have the money to get the surgery again, I am highly debating it.

I just worry that because so much time has gone by that it won’t fix anything, and I also worry that it will make it worse.

I notice I drive with one eye open alot, and read with one eye open also. I see fine looking up at everything. I look bad in every picture taken of me because I have to look up above the camera to see one of it…

Anyhow if anyone has had the surgery recently, and wouldn’t mind letting me ask them questions, feel free to contact me at BMOC311 on AIM, or StreetChariot on Skype or MSNIM

By shelia on Dec 27, 2007 | Reply

I dont know what happen if I over strain my eye or what but I stayed on the computer alot with this guy so late to I guess I over used my right eye plus he upset me oneday felt like something under my eyelid was pulling or tearing apart.This all happen in august my right eye is showing more white of the eyeball and also I been told it somewhat out of alignment I dont like that at all.And I want it corrected.But I didnt know so many people had to go threw so many surgeries in their life.To I read this site.Also I dont want to lived with my eye out of alignment doctors say why u looking that way.Why so many surgeries though what happens the reason people have to go back for more?Anyway I cant stare at computer to long with my right eye it hurts.Any ideas on any of this im shelia_duncan2006 on yahoo

By desperate on Jan 6, 2008 | Reply

Hello. At first i want to sorry about my english, it’s wery bad.

So, i was born with stright eyes ( these looked like ) but about 5 years old my right eye turned in and litle bit down. [ but others can see only turning in ] now i have 18 and have nothing done.

but i want to talk about strabismus surgery.
my doctors says, that strabismus can be healed only by surgery and there is no way how to learn to watch with bouth eyes at one moment. do you all agree with that?

my strabismus is not so litle, that doctors can 100% say, that after surgery my eyes will be 100% stright. thats why i’am afraid.

so i want to know, is there anybody, who are interested to see with bouth eyes, and maybe there something about that on internet or on other places on earth.

or maybe my fear is unfounded?

By Tammy on Jan 17, 2008 | Reply

Update…I had my surgery this past Monday and am on the road to recovery. During the surgery my doctor discovered that a muscle had actually slipped since the last procedure so he “pulled it out” (ewww) and reattached it. The problem I am dealing with now is some double vision and the fact that my eye is now turning in slightly instead of out; Doc says this should straighten out as the swelling subsides and the healing continues. I am hoping he is right as I don’t see how I can drive like this…. I’ll let you know!

By Ted on Feb 1, 2008 | Reply

I’m 44 and just had surgery 2 days ago on both eyes. I first had it done for strabismus in 1969 at age 6, at which time the eyes were crossed (left is the weaker one and was crossed inward). Vertically, I’m crooked by 4 degrees but that’s never been noticeable. I wore glasses for 10 years and the eyes straightened and looked fine until I turned 40, at which point there was an over-correction causing the left to drift outward. I have never had proper depth perception even though I had 20/20 acuity in both eyes until age 40, at which point the left weakened a bit. Having never achieved occular fusion, I was okay until the 25 degree outward drift of the left became visually very noticeable to friends, family and co-workers and I stopped focusing or using my left most of the time. I experienced tunnel vision at night while driving and I finally decided to go the surgical route. The eyes are now straight again, and I don’t have double vision even though my surgeon warned me that I would as the brain struggled to compensate. However, apart from minor discomfort, I’m very pleased as I enter day three. The left is dry, sore and a bit puffier and I’m experiencing some blurring with it, but it seems to ‘track’ with the right all the time and is improving with each passing day. It remains to be seen whether the long-term benefits will hold steady, but at present, I don’t regret repeating the surgery and am excited about both the corrective vision and aesthetic benefits. I was nervous about it and put it off for 2-3 years (none of us is probably excited about having our eyes tampered with, right?). Still, if it holds for another 20 years, I’m fine with that. I’m going to try and do whatever vision therapy techniques are recommended to see if I can enhance the possibility of achieving binocular fusion, but even if I’m never successful with that, the other two benefits make me happy that I took the plunge with repeat surgery.

By debbie on Feb 6, 2008 | Reply

Who was your doctor and where did you have surgery?

By Yvette on Feb 7, 2008 | Reply

I’ve had strabismus since birth, has surgery at two, 21, botulin injections at 22 and finally adjustable sutre sugery at age 31..IT CHANGED MY LIFE> I finally could look myself in the mirror without feeling pure angst. I recommended gaining an appointment with Dr. Guyton at the Wilmer Institute at Johns Hopkins University for anyone, anyage who really wants a chance at cosmetic and visual symmetry. I am 37 now and feel I may need another surgery. I have scheduled an appointment and will see what the doctor says. I am my own worst critic and having alignment is important to me and my professional career. I need ot be able to look and feel happy. I hope this post helps everyone who is affected by this unfair condition. Do something about it right away. Don’t suffer the feeling that most people take for granted. It will change your life as well. I have and never really had any vision in my left eye therefore it turns inward. and now sometimes outward if I am tired. I wear glasses and contacts until I can get this thing fixed. When I have only one contact me, one eye is visually larger than the other. I pray this info helps!!

By Davies on Feb 8, 2008 | Reply

I 26 years old and have had strabismus for a long time now. I am contemplating surgery but I don’t have adequate insurance - does any one know how much this procedure costs? I really need to have this done. Thanks everyone.

By Hope on Feb 22, 2008 | Reply

I am 28 and was going to get this surgery done when I was 26 at walter read in dc but back out because I was scared. I was born with strabismus never new I could have surgery on it till I was 26-I asked about it when I was 14 and was told no, that there was nothing they could do for strabismus. Well I am doing another refferal to Loma Linda University medical center and I am told I will most likely need 4 surgeries, it all makes me nervous but I can’t live like this anymore.

By Kia on Feb 24, 2008 | Reply

I am 27 and had strabismus surgery less than a week and a half ago. Strabismus surgery is the latest in a long series of surgeries I’ve had to endure in my left eye. The root of all this was a trauma-related retinal detached I suffered during college. It took 5 agonizing surgeries and a huge scleral buckle to get my retina to finally stick back on. I ended up with strabismus as collateral damage. Surprisingly, despite almost losing vision in my left eye, strabismus has affected me the most. Friends and family have been very supportive, but I must admit that having mismatched eyes completely ate away at my self-confidence. My only option was surgery. I was lucky enough to have insurance. So, I went ahead on Valentine’s day of all days. It was my big gift to myself. The whole procedure took 3 hours under general anesthesia. I had adjustable sutures and the doctor only operated on the outer corner of my left eye. Overall, there wasn’t too much discomfort. You get bloody tears for about 2 days afterwards. I’m now in that obsessive phase where I fight the urge to ask everyone I meet whether they see an improvement. The feedback has been positive so far. Apparently, when I’m relaxed and looking at people, my eyes appear straight. But, when I look at myself in the mirror, I have to be honest, my eyes still look crooked - not as much as before, but I wouldn’t call my left eye straight. This upsets me so much. I’m not sure what I expected from the surgery, I guess I thought after going through so much, I’d finally be able to close a chapter in my life. My husband who would never lie to me just to make me feel better swears that when I look at him, my eyes are straight. But, I just don’t see the same thing when I’m looking at myself. It’s so frustrating! Reading everyone’s stories has definitely helped me. Thank you.

By Manuela on Feb 28, 2008 | Reply

I am 45 years old and had perfect eyes until last August 07. I had a pituatary tumor surgery at the Navy Hospital in Bethesda MD, when th surgeon accidently nipped my right carotid artery. As they were trying to stop the bleeding , they damaged mt 6th cranial nerve. Since then I have double vision and my eye is turned in. The tumor was never removed. I have eye surgery next thursday at Walter Reed Hopsital. I am scared that another mistake will occur and I might not survive.

By lisa on Feb 29, 2008 | Reply

Has anyone ever had strabismus surger when there was a paralyzed eye muscle involved?i was born with constant strabismus(eye toward nose) i have an appt with an eye specialist march 26th..just wondering if anyone had a similar condition

By Christina on Mar 3, 2008 | Reply

I’m 22 years old now, and I have had 4 previous surgeries for strabismus. My left eye turns out and each surgery has been successful, but only for about 5 years. I’m in a professional school and am close to being finished. I’m worried my doctor won’t operate on me for a 5th time. I’m concerned that there is too much scar tissue and this won’t work. It is hard for me to focus on text and read. Unfortunately I’m a year and a half from graduation and I’m not sure how I’ll make it if he declines surgery. I’m wondering if anyone has had 4+ surgeries and if so, where? Also if these surgeries showed in success. Of course the social aspect bothers me, but at this point, I just pray for my vision for the next year and half to continue my education. I’ll worry about the cosmetic aspects at another time.

By kelley on Mar 20, 2008 | Reply

You did help me. Thank you.

By Terry on Apr 24, 2008 | Reply

I would love it if someone could tell me of a qualified othamological surgeon in the Chicago area or how to go about finding one that I can trust. I am 53 years old and have been told for years that nothing could be done for me. My brother, my sister and I have all been afflicted by stabismus since we were toddlers. My brother’s eyes were successfully corrected with surgery, medication and patching. Unfortunately, the doctors told my parents that my and my sister’s eyes were alright when they weren’t.

I desperately want to have something done. My vision is fine but the outward turn in my right eye is extremely embarrassing It seems to be getting worse with age. I have been an elementary school teacher for 19 years and have suffered the taunting and teasing of my students AND their parents. I. too am an minister and an evangelist. Once I was even teased in the church!

But for this problem, I am very, very happy and joyful person with many dear friends. Those people who know me love me.

I don’t take a lot of pictures though and run and hide when there is a camera in the room. I have gotten away with not taking school picture for about 5 years now, but this year I was forced to take one. I always tell the photographer about my eyes and we muddle through.

I am afraid that I won’t get married. I don’t want to embarrass my husband and have people talk about him..I dream of a wedding but wonder if I get married and have a wedding if I will have a beautiful album of photos like other brides.

I am looking desperately for a good surgeon.
Somebody please help!

By Rey & J on May 15, 2008 | Reply

Hello, I am really happy to have found this website, I cannot tell by words how grateful I am.

My husband and I are going through a lot now that we learnt our three year old daughter might have to do eye muscle surgery. We went for a second opinion and the same thing was said. We are planning to go to Montreal and hoping to it there. The second Doctor referred us to a female pediatric optomologist and said that she was very good. We learnt from both doctors that her vision is great but she is a bit far sighted. She has Esotropia where her eyes turn in alternately but whenever she looks straight ahead they seem straight. Her right eye tend to turn in more than the other but she is using both eyes most of the time and not depending on just one.

I am really praying to Almighty God for a miracle because the thought of our baby undergoing surgery is too much to handle right now. Is there anyone out there who can cheer me up by being honest with me and tell me please if I should be worrying as much as I am right now?

Is there a mom out there who had to make the decision of eye muscle surgery in their young child, can you please tell me the outcome and what to expect during and after surgery has taken place?

I appreciate your help…Anyone……Please tell me what to expect. I know her vision is fantastic but the surgery is to align the eyes properly so that they can work together and not just for cometic reasons.

thank you everyone for your assistance. I do appreciate it.

Rey & J

By pcdeguzm on May 19, 2008 | Reply

Also take a look at another website for children with strabismus: Prevent Blindness America Web Forum. The folks there are experiencing what you are going through. Good luck.

By ice on Jun 6, 2008 | Reply

hello,

I’m 21 from the Philippines.

I just had eye muscle surgery last Wednesday for my left eye. It’s still swollen and bloody. The improvement will be seen after the swelling is gone as advised by my doctor. Same as Kia’s post, when I look at the mirror, my left eye doesn’t appear straight but when I look at other people, it does. Now I’m worried. I’m really praying it will turn out well.

Anyone been under the same procedure? I wanna know if it turned out well for you.

By terri on Jun 13, 2008 | Reply

I have undergone my 3rd and what I had hoped to be my last strabismus surgery at 41 yrs old.
The 1st as a child went poorly and was redone a short time later around age 8. I started to notice the eye turning in again last year at 40. A very close friend mentioned it and I was absolutely devastated. I visited a surgeon in my area that calls him self a strabismus specialist and he was absolutely confident that he could fix it. My mother had a fit and only told me so after the fact that she did not want it done again. I had been through so much as a kid she was terrified and didn’t tell me so. Needlesss to say she was RIGHT. My surgery was awful and so painful i was down for almost 2 weeks, my next day appt for the adjustable stitch was a nightmare, all the stitches had broke from the day before and there was so much blood on the patch that the Dr, yelled at me thought i had been rubbing my eye or something. I had not even touched it, it hurt so bad i would of rather given birth……..So, now I am 2 months postop and my eye is still turned in but also turned up and at times does not move with the other one giving me the appearence of a dolls eye. My Dr. does not see what i am talking about and will not acknowledge my concerns. He tells me to get a hobby and that it is better then it was before. My family and friends can see what I am talking about and are being very cautious to only talk about it when i do because I am very emotional about it. The whole world looks at you in the eyes when you talk to them, whennstrangers introduce themselves to you the first thing they see is your eyes, I almost refuse to meet people except at work because I really have NO choice, but other then that, I am unable to attend social events, don’t know how I manage at work, new job, actually probably a good thing because no one knew what I looked like before and they don’t know that I truly made myself look way worse then ever before. I have queationed my vainess and why I wanted to fix a barely noticable turn in the eye to a very misaligned totally different eye then the other one, I am so sorry that I have done this to myself and will have to start the process of finding another surgeon who will acknowledge my concerns because basically my surgeon has dismissed my concerns that are completely valid. Time off from work, pain and suffering and the possibility of another bad surgery, I am horrified and don’t even have the energy or courage to do this again, I am so dissappointed I almost can’t get out of bed, only to work then I hide, no friends or family visiting, I am to embarrassed to see ANYONE. People look at me with pity and true wonder like wow what happened to her eye? I wish I had left it alone and hope that through all this convoluted writing someone will think twice about doing this surgery, I will be forever sorry that I did. If anyone can offer me any advise I would be very greatful.

By zogie on Jul 8, 2008 | Reply

Wow! Glasses straightened your eyes? After my sugery in 2003 I hated putting on my glasses I only had problems with the glasses because my strength is different in each eye it seems to pull the eyes different. I found that with my contact lenses I’m more aware of the eye wondering out and is able to fix it, but the glasses trap each eye into a frame and when one eye starts to drift the other will do the work. It dangerous to drive with my glasses on. My right eye may see things closer then they are, and the left see s things but its like the eye has A.D.D. ( Dr. Renea Richards did a great job) on my eyes. My only problem was you’re told you can go to work after a week. That was impossible because I had soo much swelling, and sensitvity to sunlight. (Went back in two weeks) After a month I could put my contacts in and drive. I encourage people to seek help for their children, I’ve seen babies who where months old getting the surgery.

By Rey & J on Jul 9, 2008 | Reply

Hello all, I posted a message once and I must say thanks to all of you for your support shown to everyone with Strabismus!

I have another Question and it is ok for anyone to help me with an answer.

My three year old daughter has strabismus and has to do her surgery in November. Her eyes turn inwards alternately (both left and right eye) but her doctor said that it is only the left eye that will be operated on because that eye is the weaker eye.

Does this sound right to anyone?
My question is, why do both eyes turn in alternately yet the doctor is planning to operate on only one eye?

Thanks for your assistance!

By mary on Jul 13, 2008 | Reply

Hi,

I was wondeing if your 3 kids have stabismus too.
I m thinking about getting pregnant for the second time( my first one has not inherited the strabismus from me) I m scared what if my second one has it.

Can u advise. Thanks MARY

By mary on Jul 13, 2008 | Reply

Hi gain, I forgot to say that I had starbismus since I was 3-4 Years old, and I have gone thru 3 surgeries, I m ok now at 34, i have learned how to control it, but I m afraid my baby will have it, can u guys tell me if your kids have strabismus too.

Thanks,mary

By Sarah on Jul 16, 2008 | Reply

Hi, I have had diplopia since birth because of trauma to me while I was in utero. I am now scheduled for strabismus surgery in both eyes with the adjustal suture but I don’t know if it will work. My eyes are not crossed when I look directly at you but if I look to you at my right, my right eye stays straight and my left eye looks to you. I also have 6th nerve palsy. My uncle is an eye surgeon and he said I have too many problems to consider surgery. Then I saw another surgeon specialzing in strabismus who says that surgery can improve the occasional double vision I get but maybe not the eye muscle movements. Is this worth it???

By Sarah on Jul 17, 2008 | Reply

Hi Terry, I’m going in for strabismus surgery today and your story has made me reluctant. Could it have been botched because you did it as a child? I am only 24 and this will be my first. But I was also born with a lot of other problems. HELP!!! Should I go through with it?

By Cheryl on Jul 18, 2008 | Reply

Hi Sarah,
I’m another one who wishes I never had surgery. I had it at 24 and I am 37 now. I wish to God I hadn’t went through with it. What I would give to go back. I had a mild esotropia when I was tired. Now I have exotropia and a horizontal deviation ALL the time. I hate it!

Cheryl

By Sarah on Jul 19, 2008 | Reply

Soooo glad I did not go through with it! I can’t let them mess with my eyes and what I have is mild! Oh!!! So relieved!!

By Stacey on Aug 1, 2008 | Reply

I am 26 years old and my strabismus became apparent about 2 years ago. I have had 2 operations this year and I am scheduled for a third procedure later this month. Unfortunately, the result of my other procedure was over correction. I am afraid of the outcome with the next procedure. From reading the blog, it seems that almost in all cases it takes many many procedures and often returns later in life anyway. I am wearing glasses with prism currently and for the most part it works. Am I completely foolish for wanting surgery to get my eyes so that I can focus by wearing contacts??? Should I stay as I am and not risk anything?? At this point, I am so confused and it is the not knowing the outcome that is so frustrating. When I went in for the first surgery in January 08 I thought a few weeks of recovery and this would be behind me for 10 years or so…boy was I mistaken. 7 months of this, and I am still suffering with what to do and whether or not I can be corrected.

Any advise or support would be appreciated.

By janine on Aug 8, 2008 | Reply

hi just stumbled across this site. My son 3yrs od was diagnosed with alternating strabismus. he is now wearing bifocals and to be honest i dont see an improvement other children i know with strabismus wear prisms and as soon as they put on their glasses the turn goes away. i would want him to have the surgery but am so nervous and confused about the results of over correction and other things mentioned here how does one know what to do? any suggestiions

By janine on Aug 8, 2008 | Reply

stacy did you have strabismus as a child? or did it just happen?and then how did it happen?

By Ice on Aug 15, 2008 | Reply

I just went through my second surgery for my left eye. It’s still sore and red so I can’t see the result clearly yet. But so far, my left eye is straight. Just hoping it remains this way! My doctor is really good!

By Jessica on Aug 19, 2008 | Reply

Hi I just had my first strabismus surgery on my left eye on thursday. Its been 5 days and my eye is still quite red and bloody and there is some red flesh sticking out in the inner corner of my eye. I was wondering from other ppl who had this surgery, how long the eye stays red. I start school on monday and would hate going to class with this scary eye. I am 21 and had strabismus since I was about 8 or 9 caused by amblyopia in the eye. I was born with a smaller optic nerve in my left eye, and as a result it became lazy and furthermore, it drifted outwards. Like many ppl its made me very self conscious and Im glad i finally got the surgery and my left eye appears straight, but now seems a little overcorrected (too inwards). I have my first post op appt tmrw so i guess ill see what the doctor says, and if it’ll be better aligned once the swelling subsides. This site has been such a help knowing theres other ppl who know exactly what ive gone through. I had a little double vision right when i opened my eyes, but since i dont really use my left eye, or have much vision in it, its not really a problem anymore. If anyone whos been through the surgery wants to answer my question, id really appreciate it. Also, id like to know how long it was before their eye turned out again (if it did). Thanks everyone!
Oh i had the surgery done at Doheny eye institute at USC under general anesthesia. I woke up after about 2 hours, and didnt feel nauseous or anything at all.

By Ice on Aug 28, 2008 | Reply

Hi Jessica, we have the same situation, left eye amblyopia but mine drifted inwards.

I had two recent surgeries and based on the first one, the redness would disappear after a month. Just had my second last aug 13. I am still experiencing double vision because my brain is adjusting to the new position of the eyeball. My doctor said it would disappear after 2-3 months. After it completely heals, I’m up for a ptosis surgery for my eyelid.

The current position is still 6-8 (don’t know the unit though, maybe mm) away from the normal position. Minimal undercorrection. They’ll just put a prism to make it appear straight.

Good luck to those who’ll undergo the same surgery

By antoinette on Sep 2, 2008 | Reply

i know exactlt how you feel I had a minister make fun of me

By Evy on Sep 12, 2008 | Reply

I’ve been reading through all of the posts on here and it’s so interesting. I have a lazy eye in my left eye and I have been living with it all of my life. I’m 23 and it’s all of a sudden starting to really really bother me. I’m so tired of not being able to stare someone in the face or take a good picture. So, I’ve been thinking about having surgery done to straighten my eye. I, unfortunately do not have any insurance, so can anyone inform me of an approximate cost in the US for this procedure? Thanks so much

By dinny on Oct 2, 2008 | Reply

helo..well im 27 years old and im so glad to read post on this website,because i too have a strabismus,but my both eyes could see,however sometimes one of my eye wonders apart.sometimes i couldnt look straight in the eye.i didnt got any surgeries yet, but i wear eyeglasses.it was hard for me growing up,in that i was shy as a child,but as time passes by i seem to manage this abnormality & accepted it.I have friends who accepted me for what i am,i guess it doesnt matter whats in the outside.I dont know if my eyes could cured without surgery,but im still hoping that it could be cured..

By janin on Oct 2, 2008 | Reply

is this surgery save for a 3yrold or should he wait till he could decide, and bottom line those of you who did do it u feel u made the right deccission ?im getting mixed vibes here cause once u start operating i feel u can never go back and need more so please help if u can

By Larry on Oct 4, 2008 | Reply

Hi, just stumbled onto this site and wanted to add my little experience. I am 45 and had surgery for exotropia two years ago. I forget what the measurement was, but it was pretty bad. For 2-3 weeks after the surgery, I had really bad double vision, to the extent of not being able to drive or really be outdoors at all. I was very worried, as it didn’t seem to be getting better. The doctor then told me to chill out and all would be OK after 5-6 weeks and to have a little faith. Well, after 6 weeks it was perfect. That was two years ago and I haven’t had any issues since. Every once in a while when I am super-tired or something, there’s a tiny bit of eye drift, but 99 % of the time my eyes are perfectly aligned. But there is definitely an initial adjustment period after the surgery, at least in my case.

By ice on Oct 4, 2008 | Reply

Hi Janin, I think the earlier the better. Just make sure the doctor has a lot of experience and is really good in eye surgery. I had my surgery twice this year and I’m 21. Should’ve done that way back when I was a kid so I wouldn’t have the lazy eye I have now.

By Melissa on Oct 5, 2008 | Reply

I’m so glad I found this posting. I had corrective surgery on both eyes when I was 16. My eyes were straight for about 9 months and then they gradually drifted outward. Now, I’m 33 and considering another surgery. I regret doing the first surgery because my outward drift was no where near as bad as it is now.

I guess I’m considering repeat surgery for the same reason as others, I want to be able to look at myself in the mirror, to be able to let others know that I’m looking at them and not someone else, and take a picture without tilting my head.

But I’m scared. I work in an environment that requires long hours at a computer and verifying things with extra small print. I can’t afford to loose my vision. I remember how hard it was to keep up in my studies, because my eyes got tired.

To complicate things, I also have myasthesia gravis (MG). My eye doctor is not sure it the corrective surgery will hold because of the MG.

I feel so torn. On one hand, I’ve looked this way for most of my life and I can see. On the other hand, I know that my level of self esteem is low and I’m not pursuing a lot of my life goals because of how I feel about myself and how the world sees me.

I’m single and horrified of meeting men because of the way I look. If I see someone that I’m attracted to, I turn and go the opposite direction out of fear of rejection. Not the best way to meet people. At times I feel like I’m hiding from the world.

Does anyone else have ocular MG? Have you had corrective surgery? If the surgery was a success, how long have the results lasted? If not, please share your thoughts on the pros and cons of the procedure.

Thanks,
Melissa

By bunny on Oct 6, 2008 | Reply

hi..im 27 now & got to read all this post in this website.i also have strabismus & im planning to do a surgery or not..

By Caitlin on Oct 16, 2008 | Reply

I’ve had eye problems since birth. I’m now 21 years old. I just visited my eye doctor today and he went over the options of surgery and wearing prisim glasses with me. I’m really scared because it seems like there has been a lot of mixed results with surgery. I can see fine with both eyes, they just don’t work together, especially in long distances. When I try to look at things far away it strains my eyes and they drift (mostly my right). This causes headaches and problems with my self esteem. Since I’m about to graduate college, I feel like this is my last chance (since I loose my health insurance upon graduating) or at least for awhile. Eye surgery really freaks me out, but I would much rather just get it over with once and not have to worry about it again. I guess I’m looking for advice and I’m wondering if this is something I could probably do in a 3-4 week break from school?

By nicole on Oct 18, 2008 | Reply

Hello I am 39 years old, have exotropia in the left eye . The drift was only noticed when I was 23 years old. I have put up with this for too long and would like to know if anyone knows of the name of some specialist who deal with adult strabimus. I live in australia, queensland. However would be prepared to travel interstate to see a specialist who comes highly recommended.
Thankyou Nicole.

By George on Oct 21, 2008 | Reply

My right eye turned when I was 2 years old after a high fever. Ihad surgery at 11 years but it was undercorrected. Gradually, my right eye driftet out. Finally at age 62, yesterday, I had strabismus surgery on my right eye. The doctor said it was out about 45, which is the most she said she could correct. Only did the right eye, no adjustable sutures. Surgery went well, no nausea, no pain at all. My right eye is still swollen and I cannot tell yethow succesful it is because of a lot of redness and swelling. My post visit is tomorrow. I hope to have a good report. As far as I can see, it is much better, but cannot tell if it is slightly over-corrected yet. They say that it takes a week or so for the muscles to settle in. I will keep you posted.

By George on Oct 22, 2008 | Reply

Oct 22
Reporting on my post-op. Both eyes still very red. Operated right eye appears somewhat overcorrected, but doctor says looks like it should at this time. Will let you know status in about 1 month.

By Jen on Oct 23, 2008 | Reply

Mary,
I have strabismus and I have three girls and not one of them has it. So, I don’t think it is necessarily inherited.

By Dave on Oct 24, 2008 | Reply

I’m 31 years old and probably in my mid-twenties did i start feeling my left eye turning in a bit and double vision (only for seeing far, reading and seeing close i’m totally fine). It would come and go but lately its been really bothering me. I have been to 2 opthamologists recently. The first told me to have surgery on both eyes. The second (who i saw today, comes recommended, and is with a big eye institute out here) told me I should have it done just on my left eye, since I tend to favor using my right eye most of the time anyway. I’m very tempted to have the surgery, although I have not spoken to anyone about vision therapy and I plan to go see someone soon. Coming on this board though gives me second thoughts. Is this the type of surgery that has to be done more than once alot? Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated!

By Kevin on Oct 31, 2008 | Reply

I am 38 yrs old. I have strabismus since birth. My left eye turns out quite badly. The nasty comments / teasing etc have always bothered me all my life but have always accepted. I can no longer deal with it as if affects my work, I am very qualified but can never get that promotion. After a job interview I was told that I cannot get the job, not because I cannot to the job or lack of qualifications, but because I do not have the ‘right look’ for the organisation.

I am thinking of have corrective surgery. Can anyone give me some advice as to the side effects, what the proceedure entails and approximate cost.

Thank you

By Sandra on Oct 31, 2008 | Reply

Hi there,

I’m Sandra, 32, from Holland (Rotterdam).

I want to thank you all for the stories… Although the stories aren’t all positive, it’s very comforting for me that I’m not the only one struggling…

I also want to tell my story.

I always have had strabismus on my right eye (this is also a lazy eye) but my eyes would always look straight when I focussed. Only when I was tired, my right eye would drift a little bit outward, but I accepted that.

Two months ago (end of August) I had an allergic reaction by using a new mascare. My rigt eye started to tear tremendously… The next morning when I woke up I saw that my right eye was permanent 10 degrees outward (they measured the position of my eye on september the 5th at my first appointment in de Eye Hospital in Rotterdam).

November the 10th I have my second appointment. December the 4th I have a pre-operation appointment. I can asks questions then and the eye surgeon e.a. will discuss how they will operate the eye. Within 4-6 weeks after this appointment the operation will be done.

I’m looking forward to the operation. Since that moment in August I feel as if I’m more tired after work. Also it’s difficult psycologically because I look different now. The people in my environment are very supportive and I’m glad for it.

Although it’s diffucult sometimes, I say strong and focus on other things in the meanwhile. My brother is getting married on December the 12th and we’re all going to Mauritius. Also I’m organising a bachelor party for my sister in law .. And since I don’t want to go out now, I finally found piece of my mind to finish my study Public Administration (I already have a degree in law).

To everybody out there: have faith, stay positive and believe in yourself!!!

I will keep you posted too.

Sandra

By George on Nov 6, 2008 | Reply

Kevin:

This is George. I reported that I had the surgery on Oct 20. Just had one eye done that had exotropia. After the procedure, I thouht it appeared slightly overcorrected when I looked in the mirror, but it was very red and the lid swollen. 13 days after the procedure, the redness is much better and the swelling down. Now I can tell it appears well alligned and everyone who knows me tells me they look straight. For the first time since I was two (I am 62), I went to a trade show and looked straight into peoples eyes and they looked right into my eyes. As the song goes from Flashdance “Oh what a feeling” ! I hope it stays straignt, but the doctor gave no guarantees. Had no nausea, no pain whatsoever. I hope this is encouraging to some of you who are considering strabismus surgery. If I force myself to look through both eyes, I see double, but since I am used to suppressing my right eye, I continue to do that. I had no expectations to have binocular vision. Since I never had binocular vision, I do not miss it.

By Kevin on Nov 10, 2008 | Reply

George,

Thanks for sharing your experience.

How long after surgery were you able to get back to doing your regular stuff, like driving? How long did the actual surgery take and approximately what was the total cost?

I am very happy for you - I am more encouraged, thank you.

By Sandra on Nov 10, 2008 | Reply

After waiting for two months today I had my second measurement appointment in Rotterdam. The measurements went well and my eye is stable, according to the lady (in dutch: orthoptist). She told me I’ll operated on one eye muscle and maybe on two…

So now my first appointment is on the 4ht of December with the surgeons and the orthoptists to discuss the operation plan.

One step nearer to the operation and I’m excited!

In Holland this operation is covered under my insurance.

Have faith!

Bye, Sandra.

By Lianne on Nov 11, 2008 | Reply

These stories are truely inspirational, thank-you. I have suffered from a lazy eye since childhood (now 24) which I have been so ashamed of. Particularly when it worsens as my eyes get tired. Avoiding eye contact with people has been so difficult especially as I like to talk. I will try to go for eye surgery and see where life takes me then! Good-luck to you all.

By Roni on Nov 12, 2008 | Reply

Hello guys, I am 18 years old, I have been living with strabismus for my whole life. I did have surgery at age 14, it made my eyes look better, but you can still tell I have a lazy eye. The doctors did not want to align my eyes perfectly because they said it would cause double vision. Is this true? I would like to have another surgery to fix my strabismus once and for all. Am I at risk of getting double vision, and if so, can it be fixed? I can either look with my left eye, and my right eye drifts inwards, or switch to look through my right eye, and my left eye drifts inwards.

Thanks

By Tim on Nov 16, 2008 | Reply

I was born with esotropia strabismus. My right eye leans inward. My vision is fine, but like most others, it makes me VERY self-consious. I run from cameras. I hate making eye contact with anyone. I hate wondering what they are thinking of my eye as I’m talking to them. I had the first surgery when I was 6 months, and a follow-up at 2 yrs old. After that, I wore glasses. When I was 14, I had my mom take me back to the same dr that did my surgeries when I was a baby. He basically gave me an exam and prescribed another pair of glasses. I wore glasses until I was 19, decided to discontinue because my vision was fine and they weren’t doing anything but bothering me. I’m now 29 and am not sure what to do. I would like to have another surgery…but I’m scared that it will make my eye worse and I don’t want to deal with the double vision and swelling afterwards. I will probably check with a dr before I make my decision. Does anyone know if wearing a patch over the good eye will straighten the misaligned eye? Can’t find any definiitive information on that. Some say it will, other say it will just correct lazy eye…which is different than strabismus.

By George on Nov 17, 2008 | Reply

To Kevin, Sandra, Lianne, and Ronni. Sometimes people only report problems, so I thought I would tell you my experience. Today it has been 3 weeks since my right eye surgery. I have had this condition since I was two, and I am now 62. First, I am here to say that it is never too late. Last week, I went to a trade show and for the first time in my life I was able to look people straight into their eyes and they looked back. My right eye was out 45 diopters, which is about as far out as possible. On my checkup 3 days ago, she said I was out about 5 diopters, which they say less than 10 diopters the eyes appear cosmetically straight. She was very satisfied with the results. I had a patch on for one day on my right eye, then it was very red and my eyelids swollen. I drove the next day, but I had to wear sunglasses as the bright lights bothered me a bit. Also, because my right eye was so red I wanted to cover it up a bit. After one week, I did not need sunglasses other than my regular glasses that darken slightly outdoors. Since I had met my insurance deductible, I had no payment (4 months ago I had hernia surgery). Basically, I could do everything and I went to work right after I took my eye patch off. For the first few days, I thought I was overcorrected because I was trying to balance the white on both sides. Because of the lid swelling and the redness, I could not tell until about a week ago. Now they look straight, but she says it is slightly out, but not cosmetically noticable. I ordered new glasses because my old glasses have prism in them, and I do not need prism any more. I went to the surgery center at 11:15 am, and had an IV put in my arm, went into surgery at 12:30, the actual procedure took 45 minutes. Dr Lanier tested the muscles of my left (good) eye, held it in place while adjusting the two muscles in my right eye. I left around 3 pm. Dr Lanier said that my right eye was exactly where it should be and it may take another month or longer until it settles into position. I am glad to share this experience with those of you who have suffered as I have for 60 years. She gave me antibiotic drops (Tobradex) to use starting with the next day,three times a day, and another drop to help with the lid puffiness twice a day. Now, most of the redness is gone, and my eye lid that was slightly swollen, but more pronounced right after the surgery, is back to normal. If you have any other questions, please ask. I hope this helps you.
George

By Dave on Nov 17, 2008 | Reply

George,
Thanks for the updates - most people only come on the Internet to tell negative stories and usually don’t bother if everything seems ok, so your updates are much appreciated. I’m going in for surgery this coming Thursday. To say I’m nervous is an understatement. This condition never bothered me as a child (i’m 31 now), although I don’t think I’ve ever had binocular vision (i favor my right eye) for seeing far. A few years ago I was very stressed out on a project I was working on and my eye starting turning in sporadically. I saw my eye doctor (at the time) and he said there was nothing that could be done about it. Over the past couple years, it comes and goes with what seems like no rhyme or reason. Its obviously much worse if i’m out drinking, or tired, or hungry, or stressed, or nervous. It has put me into a constant state of depression. I’ve been in meetings recently where its bothered me so bad that I know its affected my work and how I’m seen. I hate taking pictures, and when I do I always squint or do something that I know is going to make my turning eye look less obvious. Anyway, I saw 2 opthamalogists recently and am finally going in for the surgery this Thursday. I promise I’ll come back on here and report what I hope is progress - but either way I’ll come back and comment. I’ve been told by quite a few people that many times it doesn’t work the first time or they’ll undershoot or overshoot it, but I’m just anxious to try to get this thing fixed.

By George on Nov 17, 2008 | Reply

Reply to Roni:

As I said before, my right eye has been lazy for 60 years, so I naturally suppress it. If I try to look through both eyes, I do see double. Interestingly, before I had surgery, when I closed my dominant left eye and looked in the mirror, my right eye would center itself perfectly. Because of this, a few years ago, I decided to put a patch over my left eye to force my right eye to center itself by adjusting its muscles. I tried this for about 2 months as much as I could. For some reason, it had the opposite effect and my right eye went out even further. So from my experience, I do not recommend eye patching the dominant eye. I have read that young childrens’ brain can adjust to binocular vision. In my case, I doubt very much this is possible because it has been 60 years, and I have some astigmatism, meaning that one eye sees slightly higher than the other. In your case, I do not know. If you do not have astigmatism, and since you are still young, it may be possible for you to not have double vision, although from what I have read they say it may take a few weeks to adjust and not have double vision.
George

By Sandra on Nov 18, 2008 | Reply

George,thanks for sharing your post-op. result with us. Your story is really encouraging! Reading all those stories is so meaningful.

Especially for people who are going into surgery.. Of course there are no guarantees everything will be perfect again, but I am positive.

Sandra.

By George on Nov 18, 2008 | Reply

To Sandra,

Sorry for hogging the blog, but I am writing a lot about my strabismus procedure because I had exotropia and a lazy eye for so long for which I suffered greatly socially and in business, that I want to answer as many questions as I can to help others make their decision. In my case, because my right eye was so far out (45 diopters), both lateral muscles in my right eye were repositioned while my left eye was mechanically held in place. I did not have adjustable sutures. I have read that there are advantages and disadvantages with adjustables. It also depends on the experience of the surgeon as to whether they think they can get it right the first time. The day after the procedure, the surgery center called to ask if I had pain, discomfort or nausea. When I said not at all, they were somewhat surprised. After three weeks, I am still on antibiotic eyedrops (Tobradex) three times a day as long as the bottle lasts, which should be empty by end of this week. I recommend you ask about adjustables, and about the experience and success rate of your surgeon. Remember that the anesthesiologist’s experience and anesthesia will determine if you will have nausea after the procedure.
George

By Sandra on Nov 18, 2008 | Reply

Hello George,

Thanks for the info.

In the eye-hospital in Rotterdam they don’t apply adjustable sutures, because in their opinion it’s not said that adjustble sutures will always have a better result.

Because I will be operated on one eye I’m preferring local anesth. The disadvantages weigh heavy for me. In Holland it’s a standard procedure when operated on eye unless the patient is too anxious. I read a lot of literature on this subject and I asked about the procedure. I will hear everything and there is a chance I will see some of the instruments (but my right eye is very lazy, can’t see details) but I’m not to worried about that. The only thing I have to do is lie still. If I’m anxious I will pinch the bed.

Sandra.

By George on Nov 19, 2008 | Reply

Reply to Dave

Good luck with your strabismus procedure tomorrow. If your surgeon is an expert at this procedure, you should be fine. A few years ago, I had nose surgery, and when I woke up, I had the chills. I told the anesthesiologist about it this and she made sure that did not happen this time. So I recommend when you see your anasthesiologist you mention that. You will probably be out for a total of about 2 hours and recover for one hour before you go home. In my case, I did not need any pain or nausea medication (not even tylenol), but everybody is different. Let us know how it went. Look forward to hearing about your results.
George

By Dave on Nov 21, 2008 | Reply

I had the surgery yesterday. Its too early to tell how it went. I took the patch off this morning. Its very red and swollen and my vision is all over the place, double, etc. - but i think thats normal for the first day. Its not painful but a little irritating and the double vision is giving me headaches which the Dr. prescribed painkillers for as well as ointment for the eye. i have my followup on monday and hopefully by then i’ll know if it all worked. I will post an update monday.

By Nicole on Nov 24, 2008 | Reply

Hello!!
I was born pre-mature (twin) and have had lazy eye since birth. I had my 1st corrective surgery at 1 yr old. Through the surgery.. bifocals.. and eye patch.. my left eye is normal. But over the years.. my right eye seemed to get worse. Turning inward. The embarassment I felt made my self esteem drop. Friends and family always told me the opinon of others should not bother me.. but the truth was.. a 5 year at the store making fun of me could bring me to tears.
I finally was referred to a great doctor (Dr Olson) at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics. I am now 32.. and finally decided for myself that I wanted the sugery.
The procedure was done on 11/18/08.. I am almost at a week now.. still have very bloody, swalloen eye. Slowing gaining my vision back. Though, driving is still tricky due to the sensitivity I have. Right now, my eye is turning out.. rather then inward like it use to. The doctor has told me not to be concerned.. as it can take 3 weeks to heal. I’m hopful that things will turn out well. It was hard reading some of these blogs.. as most seemed to be negative.. though I’m greatful people were sharing their own personal experiences. I have my post op appt this Wednesday.. Hopeful it will be good news on my progress! Thank you all for your time.

By Dave on Nov 24, 2008 | Reply

Had my Post-Op today. Had the surgery on my left eye on 11/20. Doctor said my new alignment looks good (so far). Eye is still swollen and bloodshot. He said that’s normal and will take a few weeks for the redness to completely go away. I’m hoping it worked..it feels like it did. The vision is still a little blurry in the left eye because of the stitches and the ointment.
I’ll report back in a week or so after the redness has gone down a little.

By jm on Nov 24, 2008 | Reply

hi ..i just read your post..where did u have ur surgery?im also planning to have one..i badly need advice..i hope the result will be ok..please let me know thanks..

By jm on Nov 24, 2008 | Reply

Hi Guys..Im JM 27 female from philippines..I badly needed an advice..

I just dont simply have strabismus. My situation is, my left eye is blind since birth. condition is exotropia. It also developed cataract and I noticed that it starts to deteriorate..howver, i consider having eye muscle surgery just to improve its appearance..I am just not sure because most of you have vision in both eyes..(blurry or double vision)..I rem..when I visited an opthalmologist (Philippine General Hospital), I was advise that I can undergo surgery but the eye will turn out again eventually…they also did not recomend to removed the cataract since there is no vision. However, I still want to get opinions…does anyone had a surgey?how was it?anyone especially from my country (philippines). I badly needed an advice..please revert..

By Reema on Nov 24, 2008 | Reply

Hi Nicole,

I wish you a great outcome of your surgery. My baby was also born premature. She is now 4 months old corrected (7 months actually). Her eyes turn downward a lot when she has to look at anything ven slightly lower than her. I worry a lot about her vision. I have read about vision therapy. Had you tried that? What does your doctor say–is the surgery only a cosmetic thing or does it improve the vision?

How premature were you?

Good luck again
Reema

By Nicole on Nov 25, 2008 | Reply

Hello Reema,
Thank you for your well wishes. I really appreaciate it. I was born 2 months pre-mature. I haven’t tried vision therapy as of recent… but did as a child. It helped back then… but my attention span as a child was very limited. I have my post op appointment tomorrow with my doctor.. I have alot of questions for him. =) For me the surgery was more of a cosmetic issue. I have poor vision anyhow. But I can wear contacts. I am hoping to be able to move forward with Lasik in January to correct the actual vision. My advice would be to wait until your child is close to 1yr old.. as my eyes changed alot from birth to age 1. I was worried about my son’s eye’s after birth.. but he as well experienced alot of change up to 1 yr.. and now is fine. Have a great day!! Take care!!

Nicole

By Roni on Nov 27, 2008 | Reply

To George:

Thanks for all of the info, I really aprreciate it.

By Roni on Nov 27, 2008 | Reply

George, so now your eyes are perfectly straight?

By George on Dec 2, 2008 | Reply

Roni:
It has been six weeks since the procedure and as far as I can tell, my eyes are very straignt. I can also tell because when I look directly at other’s eyes (for the first time in 60 years), they look straight back. It took about a month before the redness was almost completely gone. I got a new prescription for glasses. My next checkup with the surgeon is in two months.
George

By Tony on Dec 3, 2008 | Reply

Hello everyone. I have a few questions about eye muscle surgery/strabismus surgery.

1. How much does the surgery cost without any type of insurance?

2. Will a doctor perform the sugery on an un-insured person?

3. How long will it take before I am called in for the surgery?

Sorry for so many questions. I am severely coc-eyed; and my eyes seem to be getting worst. Any help will do. Thanks everyone.

By Nicole on Dec 3, 2008 | Reply

Hello Tony,
I can tell you from my experience.. I just had surgery on my right eye back on 11/18/08. My bills at this point are up to $14,000. I live in Iowa. Without insurance they would only work with me if I had 75% to put down. Luckly I have insurance through my employer so I won’t pay much of that. I had my pre-op appointment back in Aug 08.. as scheduled for surgery on 11/18 (I’m sure your wait will depend on your surgeons schedule)

Wish you well..!! Good luck if you decide to move forward with surgery. I’ve been pleased so far with mine.

Take care!!

By Kevin on Dec 9, 2008 | Reply

Hi Eyeybody,

I just wanted to tell you that I have had surgery on both eyes on Dec 02. The redness is still there and no pain except for slight irritation (like some dust in the eyes).

My eyes are now perfectly straight and I hope it stays that way. The actual surgery took approximately 2 hours under general anest.

I feel great now when I look at myself and wish that I have done this sooner.

If anybody want to see pics of my eyes before and after the surgery, please let me know and I will send it.

Regards,

Devan

By Tony on Dec 10, 2008 | Reply

Does anyone know a good insurance company that will help pay for the surgery? Or will any insurance company give the doctor the greenlight?

Thanks for any help.

By Kelly on Dec 11, 2008 | Reply

Kevin, I would love to see before and after pictures. As well as ask you a few questions, if you would not mind?

Sincerely,
Kelly

By Kelly on Dec 11, 2008 | Reply

Hello, has anybody ever had surgery for intermittent exotropia? I have had this since I was little and am looking to have it surgically corrected. However, I am very nervous for the surgery. Any advice? For those of you who have had the surgery, do your eyes stay straight at all distances and gazes? How about when you are tired? Thank you for listening.

Kindest regards,
Kelly

By sarah on Dec 13, 2008 | Reply

ok so ive had strabismus practically all my life. my left eye is perfectly straight but my right eye goes inward. i had surgery when i was 14, i am now 16 and im considering another surgery because when i had my first surgery my doctor did not make the eye symmetrical to the left for some odd reason. . although ive been wearing glasses up until the age of 13 i can honestly say im sick of it,all i really want is straight eyes, just like everyone else, im not trying to be negative at all but i have been through a lot such as being constantly teased and laughed at by people at school and just trying to avoid being around people simply because i was either scared to see their reaction or afraid of being humiliated.
being cross-eyed or anything of that sort isn’t a laughing matter, really idk whats so funny about it? we’re just like everyone else, we just have eye difficulties. nobodys perfect everyone has flaws, i guess you just have to accept yourself for who you are and not let other people and their ignorance get to you.
it can be tough though and can damage your self-esteem.

but you gotta take the good
with the bad
smile with the sad &&
love what you got .

By Edward on Dec 16, 2008 | Reply

Hello. First of all I like to briefly introduce myself. My name is Edward. I live in California and frankly gone through 1 successful surgery February of 2008. I was borned with strabimus having my left eye move slightly inward. I have a few questions that I would like answered preferably from George.
1. How much scar tissues would accumulate as the many sugery one undergoes?
2. Is it possible for candidates such as I, wear contacts?
3. I have considered vision therapy for awhile. But im not sure whether it’s real or fake because i read a success story that a certain individual has strabimus and after 5 months of therapy he finally gained binocular fusion for both eyes. Does vision therapy really help?
Thanks I would really appreciate having questions answer by whomever with qualified experience.

By Freida on Dec 17, 2008 | Reply

Hello everyone,
I had surgery when I was 3 on my right eye and they were straight and stayed that way for over 50 years. The right eye started to drift again and my focus was really bad. I went to a pediatric opthamologist and had surgery again at 56. My eye looked 100% worse after this surgery. It was off vertical and horizonal. Another surgery was performed 2 months later. It is some better and on some days looks almost straight and other days it will turn out some but I have constant redness in that eye and have to keep visine in it all the time. My focus is stll bad and I can’t read for very long at a time. I recommend getting several opinions before having this surgery. I wish I had done that and I would not have had this surgery.

By Freida on Dec 18, 2008 | Reply

Edward,with 3 surgeries I have some scaring but over time they will turn white. The damaged blood vessel bothers me more because when I get tired or my eyes strained from reading it will turn red. I also had drooping of my eyelid but this does seem to be getting better. As for contacts. I only needed one and it was fine. I wore it for a while but decided that it was easier to wear glasses when I needed them. I wish I had tried vision therapy years ago. I think it it helps avoid any more surgery it would be worth it and if not at least you know that you have tried the other alternatives

By Aniela on Dec 19, 2008 | Reply

Hello all,

I’m Aniela, I’ve been living with Strabismus since I developed it at a young age. I’m 19 years old and have lived a relatively normal life with the few moments of ignorance by other people. I have a straight left eye and my right eye is slightly outward from the center position.

I don’t have any major vision issues other than seeing double when I really want to focus on it. I have no perrifrial vision on my ‘bad’ eye, and although I can see clearly with that bad eye, I can’t define anything with it. It’s highly possible that I obtained optical nerve damage at a young age, if not actually being born with it. Nonetheless, I have perfect vision with the one good eye I have, depth perception and all.

Now that I gave a little bit of background, I am recently considering going through eye muscle surgery to repair the bad eye for cosmetic reasons. Is this a good idea? I’ve been through some therapy at younger ages and nothing really seemed fully correct the issue. I doubt anything could make the vision in my bad eye become better; or am I wrong?

Anyway, I think this blog is great and feel it’s a good way of getting support from people who understand the ailments of living with this and other conditions like it. I will be seeking consultation with optical surgeons aside from any advice given here. If anybody would like to contact me, please let me know and I’ll provide you with an e-mail or some other means of contact.

Thank you all for the support!

By Tony on Dec 21, 2008 | Reply

Hello again everyone:
I just wanted to know, could anyone tell me of a good insurance company? For a self-employed person? Of course for vision insurance. So I can try to get surgery. Any help will do.
Thanks.

By yayan on Jan 5, 2009 | Reply

hi, im glad ive found this site, this is very helpful for me.. i have strabismus since i was 5years old. im 26 now. Im in the philippines,. Ive read that a member in the philippines named Ice had a successful surgery last August 2008. Im so happy for you Ice.., I was just wondering if you can tell me where did you have your eye fixed and who’s the great doctor.. thanks
my email: be_smart_in_business@yahoo.com

By Jannelle on Jan 10, 2009 | Reply

I have had strabismus since i was born. It has not been so easy i have been laughed at, teased and even scorned,it is so difficult at times and discouraging. Now i have found the solution but there are so many negative things that this even makes me feel more discouraging and depressed. I am scheduled for surgery 29 June 2009 and i am considering not to do it, if i have to repeat the procedures so many times or my eyes could get even worse i don’t think it is worth trying, i really thought this was a once in a lifetime operation. I really can’t risk having my eyes becoming worst than they are now. Almost everyone who have done this surgery have a only negative remarks.

By Sandra on Jan 11, 2009 | Reply

Hi Jannella,

I’m Sandra from Holland (see my first comment ijn October).

George and keving have very positive oomments. I’m scheduled for surgery the 19th of February in the Eye Hospital in Rotterdam.

The operation was supposed to be earlier but because of my pregnancy the docter wants to operate me when I’m four months pregnant.

I will report after the operation. Although there always is a chance a operations won’t give the result one’s hoping for, I’m very positive.

Sandra.

By Jennifer on Jan 14, 2009 | Reply

I have a situation…i’m 26 yrs old now and when i was about 12 yrs old i got hit on the side of my eye with a sling shot by a kid in my class..you know how they make the piece of paper and shoot it with a rubber band well when it hit my eye had got real red and everything seemed normal but after a while i had my retina detach and now i’ve had several surgery’s to correct what had gone wrong. so now i have a cataract but that isn’t my main concern. I can’t see out of my right eye and i can deal with that its just that my eye drifts out and i am very insecure about it..i’m only 26 and i hate talkin to people i dont know cuz i feel them try to figure out where i’m looking..i never talked to anyone about how i feel cuz i’m ashamed. I want so bad to get it fixed but i’m scared that the procedure to fix it will cause another problem and that i will have to have more sugeries after that. I dont ever want to have to go back to do those or i dont want to mess anything else up to where i might not have an eye…i want to know if anyone can tell me how a procedure will be done to fix it..will i be put to sleep and about how much does it run, money wise. i have insurance but i dont know if it will cover cosmetic surgery. ..someone please help me

By Rose on Jan 14, 2009 | Reply

Has anyone had surgery for vertical strabismus? I have a L superior oblique palsy and had surgery on the L eye, but within a few months, my double vision returned so had surgery on the R eye. It is now about 1 year later and the double vision is returning. I’m wondering if this is common and will continue? Thank you. Rose.

By dan on Jan 16, 2009 | Reply

hi nabasa ko email mo sa stirbismus ang tanong ko saan kba nag opera ng mata? at magkano nagastos mo? ksi banlag din yung left eye ko gusto ko sana papaopera kso wala pa me alam na doctor pls email mee thnks hope u get well soon

By Ahmad on Jan 16, 2009 | Reply

hey everyone, I am Ahmad , 20 years old and live in oklahoma (USA).
ok so my right eye is perfect , but my left eye ball is going a bit to the left when i look straight.
I am thinking of having a surgery, what are the chances that this surgery will succeed??
my eyes are not that horrible, but my left one is going to the left side like i said.
so basically they are going to perform on the left eye only right?
do u know how much it would cost without insurance,
thanks everyone!

By Savanna on Jan 22, 2009 | Reply

It’s nice to hear that many have had good outcomes from surgery. I am 34 and have had 2 strabismus surgeries. The first at the age of 5. The second at the age of 25. The first surgery was on the left eye that was turned inward. The second was because the doctors overcorrected my eye the first time. My eye was initially turned inward, then later began drifting outward. Having the surgery has helped me to have more self confidence as my eyes are aesthetically pleasing now. However, I suffer from horrible pain around the eye that was corrected. This pain is becoming a disability in itself. The doctor gave me prism lenses so my eye doesn’t work so hard to see. He said this would alleviate the pain. It hasn’t and I have not heard any other stories of similar pain. Is there any one who suffers from pain because of strabismus?

By Catherine Redmond on Jan 22, 2009 | Reply

Can someone contact me for more info on strabismus, and where i can go to get it corrected?

By theo on Feb 4, 2009 | Reply

follow this exercise to correct your left eye moving outward. early morning open both eyes wide, look upward as hard as you can for 30 seconds, then look down as hard as you can 30 seconds. second look straight both eyes as if your angry as hard as you can for 30 seconds. third move both eyes 360 degrees from left to right 30 seconds. do this am/pm for a week. you will feel and see the good results.

By theo on Feb 4, 2009 | Reply

ahmad, cost range from $2000-$4000 here in the usa excluding the outpatient and inpatient services. try the eye exercise movement, your still young and the possibility is great with patience.

By Kes on Feb 11, 2009 | Reply

To Rose,

I had surgery for vertical strabismus in Oct 07 on my R eye, I also have superior oblique palsy. The problem is that the muscle they tend to operate on, the inferior oblique, very often strengthens and return partially to its pre-operative state hence you lose the improvement you might have had immediately post the op. This certainly happened to me and I am contemplating the second operation now.

I’d love to talk to you about your experiences and share mine. Many people’s strabismus experiences described on this blog are not related to oblique muscles and obliques are somewhat different with people strongly favouring one side, constantly holding their head sideways, and strong vision torsion to name but a few(do you get this too?).

In fact I am thinking that it’s almost worth starting a blog on the subject of dodgy oblique eye muscles and the hidden traumas they cause us the sufferers. It’s a less obvious squint that wreaks havoc with the rest of your body as it gets out of balance by constant tilting and twisting needed to adjust to see better.

By steph on Feb 12, 2009 | Reply

I too agree with everything you said. I was born with it also. I am 41 years old and I know what it is like to be ridiculed, teased, stared at, treated differently, etc. I had surgery when I was 1 years old to correct it, it didn’t correct it. I have just learned to accept it amd love myself and feel beauty aside from all of that, let me tell you it has been hard. Other people don’t always accept it because of how the media is on how WE MUST LOOK PERFECT!!! Physical appearance is so important. Why is that? and all the hype on plastic surgery, we must fix every little flaw. It is a medical condition and does effect your vision. I have learned to compinsate. I wanted to go and have another surgery in my 30’s and went to an eye specialist and he said the surgery could make it worse, and to just leave it the way it is. So, I just try to go on and live with it.

By George on Feb 16, 2009 | Reply

Hello again, this is George. Kevin, I am glad your procedure went well. Sandra, good luck with your procedure in three days. Please let us know how it went. I had not blogged since my post op report in November because I lost this site. After about 4 months since my exotropia right eye strabismus surgery, I am very pleased with the results. It took about 2 months for the redness to completely go away. Before the surgery, I could hardly look at myself in the mirror. Now everyone looks straight into my eyes for the first time in sixty years (I am now 62). As the line in the song in the movie “Flashdance” says “Oh what a feeling”. I had strabismus surgery when I was 11 years old in 1956 in France, but they did not get it quite right. My right eye continued to drift out for the next 50 years until it was out 45 diopters. I could not stand it anymore, and eventhough I do not like to be put to sleep, I procastinated. I would like to say that I wished I had it done sooner, but what counts is that I had it done. Edward, The scaring from the 1956 procedure did not have any affect eventhough they did not have the expertise 53 years ago. The only negative thing I can report is that because I have had a lazy eye for 60 years, it is impossible for me to use both eyes. When I force myself to use both eyes, I see double. I do not mind becaue I am used to only using my left eye.

By Sandra on Feb 17, 2009 | Reply

Hello again everybody, this is Sandra from Holland (Rotterdam).

George, good to hear you are doing fine and the condition of your eye is stable!

As the date of the operation is approaching (19th of February) I’m noticing I’m becoming a little bit scared and nervous. But I’m keeping my head cool because of the pregnancy (4 months). All these months the operation seemed so far away…

As soon as I can report some results (probalby on Friday?) I will definetely let you all know how it went.

I’ve got faith!

Sandra.

By Rick on Feb 27, 2009 | Reply

I’ve been noticing that atleast 90 percent of these posts have been nothing but negative experiences with strabismus surgery. Obviously if that was a real national or international statistic, strabismus surgery would not be performed.

It leads me to believe that most who experience negative results due to strabismus surgery are more likely to seek help online (or wherever it need be) than those who experience positive results.

I am fairly young (20 years of age) and am seeking to get strabismus surgery. I have been diagnosed with a mild case of exophoria and even though its mild, it still affects me very much so in that I have gone nights without sleeping because of my insecurities.

I have seen three different optometrists and they have all told me that surgery is not for me yet it is apparent(by me anyways) that both my eyes are not pointing in the same direction.

I have finally convinced an optometrist to send me to an opthalmologist which is next week. I will see how that goes, but I will definately push to get the surgery done ecause it has affected me negatively to the point where my self esteem has been shot to the ground. I also want to get full binoculor vision and see the world how it really should be seen.

I will update you guys on my situation and good luck to all of you who are getting the surgery/ or are dealing through their experiences. We have yet to hear from Sandra as I am very eager to see how she did.

Anyways, gl to all of you and talk to you later.

By George on Mar 9, 2009 | Reply

As with any surgery, there are risks. In the case of strabismus, after the initial risk of over or under correction, there is the possibility that the operated eye will drift over time (years if not decades). I had my first surgery as some of you know when I was 11 in France in 1957 which made my right eye better than before, but somewhat undercorrected. Over the next 50 years, it drifted slowly outward because I never used my right eye and never exercised it. About 5 years ago, I decided to patch my left eye and use my right eye as much as possible because when my left eye is covered, my right eye looks straight. I thought I was helping myself. After about a month, I noticed my right eye was a lot worse than before. At 62 years of age, last October, I had a very outward turned right eye so that I could not even look at myself in the mirror, so how could expect others to look at me directly? So finally after procrastinating for years, I had it done last October. I just had a check up at almost 5 months, and my right eye still appears straight with only a slight measured deviation. As many of you, I was scared to have it done. I reassured myself this way: Since I rarely if ever use my right eye, I was not going to go blind, and almost anything in terms of cosmetic appearance would be better than the way I was and the way I felt about it. So I convinced myself to have it done. I do not know if this type of rationalization works for you, but it did for me. I recommend you go with a well experience surgeon and get references from that surgeon. Also inquire about the anesthesiologist and the surgery center. It is like any other surgery-there are no guarantees, but with an experienced strabismus surgeon (at least 10 years), you should be fine.

Good luck to those of you considering this procedure. I know exactly how you feel.

George

By Sandra on Mar 12, 2009 | Reply

Hello everybody,

Sandra from Holland (Rotterdam) here.

I was so preoccupied with many things (trying to finish my study before 27th of July before the baby arives, 20 weeks echo etc.) I didn’t even have the rest to let you all know how the operation went on the 19th of February.

A short update because I’m at work. Tonight, when I get home, I’ll write more.

The operation (local) in itself went very well, was not scared or anything during the operation. Saw everything but just trusted the surgeons.

Since the end of August my right eye was out for about 10 degrees. The operation brougt it back to 5 degrees.

Last week on the 5th of March I went for a check up at the Eye Hospital in Rotterdam. The lady (measuring etc.)was very pleased and asked me how I felt. I told her, that although the eye isn’t perfect straigth, I now felt confident and beautiful again looking at people.

She told me the eye is healing well, still a little bit red and that I could do anything again (make-up, swimming etc.).

She was pleased with the result because till 5 degrees, if someone doens’t know, he doesn’t see the eye is out. I think it’s true, becuase when I ask my cousins they don’t see it, only when they are standing very, very near to my face (like an inch or so).

When I look in the mirror I do see my eye is out for 5 degrees, but for me the result is ok for the moment, because now I want to start enjoying my life again (especially the pregnacny!).

When I look at the mirror now I almost look the same as I did before the end of August last year (then my eye suddenly turned out and I couldn’t look straight anymore).

So I feel as if I got my life back and that I can really enjoy now. It’s not only cosmetic, but also helpful for your selfesteem, feeling secure again.

For now a short update. Late in the evening I will let you know more.

Good luck to everybody who is considering an operation.

Greetings Sandra.

By Tricia on Mar 12, 2009 | Reply

Hi Guys,

I was surfuring through the web and came across this site.

I know some people feel the site has a lot of negative results, but I feel most people are happy that they had the surgery.

I have had Strabismus since birth. For whatever reason surgery was never discussed. I too know people don’t know how to look at you or what to say. I have gone to several surgeons and most told me it was only cosmetic and I would have to pay a few thousand dollars out of pocket. Because of my problem my son’s pediatrician suggested a specialist for my son…he is fine thank god. With that visit I started seeing her, over the years she could see my muscles getting worse and my neck killing because if I put my head down and look up my eyes look straight..well it has done a job on my neck and back. So there goes the cosmetic part.

I am scheduled for March 18th and I am a bit nervous. I am hoping that once this is done I will be as happy as a lot of you are and not disappointed. I am now 49 amd wamt tp be able to see straight, hold my head straight and have people look at me and not turn away.

Any last minute thoughts or anything I should know that the surgeon might not have mentioned? She seems pretty confident that she can help me and straighten my head and eyes for good!

Thanks,
Tricia
Massachusetts/USA

By josh on Mar 12, 2009 | Reply

i have estropia in my left eye it turns in, i can use both eyes together but i see better out of the right eye so i tend to use it more, i’ve wanted to have surgery done for 4 yrs ( i’m 24) but for some reason i couldn’t get the money or didn’t know alot about the insurance companies or which ones would pay for it. Well now this year i am getting it done by hook or crook(no pun intended) i am just so sick of wearing glass and know i’ll never stop wearing them until i get the surgery done so later on i can have lasik and get contact implants,however,after browsing this site it seems like there is alot of negative views on the surgery that doesn’t give me a lot of confidence, i mean i’ve always wondered how permanent the procedure is and what not, i don’t care really i’m sick of not having straight i want what everyone else has and it’s not fair, i know i may never get 20/20 vision but if i can achieve the cosmetic success i’ll be happy with that.

By Tricia on Mar 16, 2009 | Reply

Thanks Lois I will take a look.

I wish I knew years ago that there was a support group? It would have helped many times to talk to others that understand how I feel. Well I am down to two days and a few hours in counting…will touch base shortly.

Thanks again!
Tricia

By Marie on Mar 24, 2009 | Reply

I was born with strabismus and had surgery to correct my right eye when I was 2yrs old. I went through most of my life with one eye turning in (depending on which eye I was looking out of). I remember hearing the words “Are you looking at me?”, thousands of times as a child. My self-esteem suffered severely as a child, teenager and as a mother. I truly believe I would be a different person today, had my parents made the difficult decision to have both eyes corrected when I was young. Don’t get me wrong, I had wonderful, loving parents and I am happy with who I am. I just know I would be more assertive, social and confident had my eyes been straight. I searched for years to find a surgeon willing to operate on my other eye. I finally had the 2nd surgery to correct my left eye when I was in my early 30’s. There was a lot of scar tissue from my first surgery, but I had a very well-known surgeon. My left eye is slightly smaller than my right and I notice that my eyes aren’t completely straight, but others do not. My only complaint is that I am now 38 and I still get very painful headaches It feels as though my muscles are still trying to pull my eyes inward, but this is transparent to anyone else as most do not know that I ever had strabismus. Botox helps with the pain, but it’s expensive to continue regularily. The one thing I would say to all the parent’s of children with strabismus… please know that it will effect your child’s self-esteem, confidence, personality and social skills if you do not have your childs eyes straightened when they are young. It was the source of the only bad memories I have of my younger years.

By Tricia on Mar 25, 2009 | Reply

I agree with you Marie 100%.

I tried to have my eyes done in my 20’s, but no doctor would touch me because of my age, they thought it was to risky to have my brain and eyes adjust after all these years.

Finally, I found someone that didn’t jump into it, but saw the strain on my head, neck and back because the way I hold my head to try and straighten my eyes–so she did the surgery on March 18th. I am doing OK–my eyes are now straight, except if my head is down and I look up then my left eye will wonder out–it probably doesn’t know what to do.

All in all after all the years of teasing and listening to all the “beautiful” people try to convince me that beauty is within…try walking in our shoes! I am glad I did it and just hope that it stays and after getting used to where my eyes should be looking I can reduce the wondering?

By Jonel Ruiz on Apr 7, 2009 | Reply

Rev. Miller, I just had strabismus surgery about 4 das ago and it turned out very, very well. I am 31 years old and I was born with a lazy right eye. I am also a Christian.

I had my first strabismus surgery when I was 17 and my doctors were explicit about the results, promising only very little cosmetic improvement, because if they feared that if they corrected the eyes perfectly, they eyes will divert back to their original state. Was that a good enough reason not to seek perfect alignment? Logically, no. But thank God strabimus surgery has come a long way over the years. My doctors we’re overly cautious and it turns out that I could have gotten a much better result than that which they were aiming for. They were wrong and I glad I revisited the issue, even though I wish I done it much sooner. Anyway, I also have myopia, meaning that I am very near-sighted and this complicates things a little. Your situation may be different. I highly recommend that you consult a surgeon. Why wait and why not? There is a chance that the eyes may revert to it former position, but that’s the worst case scenario, apart from the inherent risk related to surgery. Go for it and don’t wait another day longer. Remember, it is God Himself who has dispense the wisdom to medical community on how to correct these problems. It is a direct result of His grace. Go for it! God Bless you!

By George on Apr 10, 2009 | Reply

It has been six months since my strabismus surgery on my right eye which was out 45 units (about as much as it can go out). The doctor told me that my eye is out about 5 units, but they look cosmetically straight. I cannot notice that at all. So far I am perfectly pleased with the results and I am told by everyone they look perfectly straight. My left (good) eye is still very dominant, but I try to use both eyes eventhough I see double, for the exercise. When I drive, I do not use my right eye because that would be dangerous. My main point is that while it is true that at an older age (I am 62) it is very difficult to coordinate the brain to use both eyes and not see double, just the cosmetic improvement has done wonders for my self esteem, and that is all I wanted after all these years. When I saw the same doctor in 2005, she talked me out of the surgery saying that I probably would see double, which is true, but since I rarely use mu right eye, it does not matter to me. Now I have a cataract in my left eye (not the operated eye) which has gotten a lost worse in the last month, so I am going to see another doctor for that procedure.

By pam on Apr 15, 2009 | Reply

I just had eye muscle three weeks ago to correct my eye turning out. Now it looks like it turns in. I was wondering if you had this same thing happen to you and how long it takes for you eye to settle into straight position.

By henry d on Apr 21, 2009 | Reply

just a quick point, you may want to look at the mental health conditions you may have if your eyes turn outwards, i only say this as your eye turns inwards. if they over correct your eye, and it starts to turn outwards. the chances of your mental health being effected increase four folds. look on you tube and type in, strabismus mayo clinic. there a talk on there about the mental health effects connected to eyes turning out.

By henry d on Apr 21, 2009 | Reply

hey, i understand what your saying about 90 percent having negative resultys. the fact is this is true, and its probable 100percent of people are not happy with the results. the fact is some people choose to restrict the prospects and just live without ever making eye contact, ask your self if they knew what they were doing in surgery ,they would correct your eyes instantly, instead of waiting til its worse. this would indicate its a last soloution. the reason its a last solution is becuase it doesnt work, it doesnt work because the issue has alot to do with your mind, not your muscles. your mind controls your eyes, thats why your able to correct your eyes yourself for an instant when you concentrate on turning it in.i would just say once they start operating on your eye, it can get scar tissue, also just the sensation of how the muscles move behind the eye, feels really uncomfortable. also it can mishape your eye lids, etc etc.

By Dave on Apr 22, 2009 | Reply

Well here’s my story…. Forgive me but I don’t remember some correct terms…
(41y/o Male)…
I was born with a right lazy eye, for the first 38 years of my life I could control it, it’ll go out, & I’d see the images split in two, kind of like a game with myself….
If I covered my left good eye then everything “wobbles” and it’s not “as” clean as the left eye..
Around 2005 I noticed my right bad eye actually wanting to se & register in my head, for most of those years my brain ignored the image from the right eye, as if things just vanished out of existence….
In 2006 I had my first surgery, doc pushed my right eye to the left, well I can see that my eyes look straight to other people watching me, BUT I have a new problem, now I see double all of the time, my right eye sees everything to the left, in essence everything’s opposite from before the surgery, an example is when I was operated, driving home I thought the cars on the other lane were in front of me, that was scary!!!!!!!!
Now if I cover my good eye everything still wobbles, and the clarity is almost but not as good as my good left eye….
Seeing double has driven me nuts, I’ve been to several eye docs who have all made me prism glasses, every prism glasses I got made my good eye see blurry, I tried them for a year… Driving was a nightmare, I feared for the kids in the car…. I still have to work & nor my bosses nor anyone else cared to hear that my vision wasn’t up to par…… I kind of solved the double vision with a $1 pair of sunglasses, popping out the left lens, putting black tape on the inside of the right lenses, it’s not as good as being able to see regular but at least the ‘other” vision is gone………………………………
I’m still trying to convince the original doc to re-operate or is possible to turn off the right eye, most of the time I feel like I’m in the twilight zone when things repeat ( things repeat ) themselves twice.. ( two moons, two roads, ), while driving red lights get me if they’re in pairs, I look at the right light and next thing you know I’m actually looking at the left light ( go figure )…
At age 41 I haven’t started drinking yet or using drugs, but if this problem continues who knows…….
I can really use some friends…
I’m Dave at davtpt@hotmail.com
Please help me keep my sanity…………………………………………

By Rick on May 2, 2009 | Reply

It seems as if most people skipped over my post about why the fact is that most comments on here are negative…

It is imperative to understand that sites such as these will always be filled with a larger percentage of negative comments just on the sole fact that those who undergoed strabismus surgery and have experienced negative results are MUCH MORE likely to seek help (search online, forums, grouptalks, etc etc.) as apposed to those who have experienced positive results.

We have to also understand that because strabismus surgery is the 3rd most popular eye surgery in the United States, it has to have a a large success and positive outcomes to it otherwise it would not be as popular or even be around nowadays.

I was diagnosed with an exophoria of 8 diopters and I am pushing to get the surgery because it is noticeable to the point where it really hurts my self esteem.

We should all hold a more optomistic approach and I ask those who have experienced positive results to come out and share their story as it will do wonders for this talkgroup. Thank you and best of luck to everyone.

By mirthe on May 5, 2009 | Reply

Hello,

I have been living with a lazy eye/intermittent strabismus also all my life.

I have surgery at the age of 24 and regret it. With surgery the first few months it feels like every thing is normal…but in the future it will go back to previous years (or even worse). I wish I had just accepted myself.

The surgery was my fault, I wanted to be like everybody else. I must say I have never been bullied and always belonged to the most popular at school. It is all about attitude.

I want to tell people to be strong. Life is not all about eyes position, with a great smile and a open face you really can open doors. Ofcourse I get childish people that laugh behind my back, but I also have a very approachable attitude and with this you come really far. Believe me you have to get confidence. Other people have big noses or other facial features that are not always seen as pretty. Look around you and see for yourself.

I also have good and bad days. Then I have to kick myself and say that I have other qualities. I have a friendly smile and strong blue (not always straight) striking eyes.

A lot of famous people, like Gary Barlow (Take That), Barbara Streisant, Britney Spears (yes intermittent), Zoe Wannamaker (Susan Harper from the BBC comedy My Family) and Lucy Liu (Charlies Angels) (have strabismus……do you think less of them? I do not.

Be strong and you will see that you also have an important place in this world of maybe more straight eyed people. But believe me they have also other issues.

Mirthe

By Lex on May 29, 2009 | Reply

I’m 30 and have had strabismus in my left eye since birth. My mother chose not to have it corrected when I was a child and opted to leave the decision up to me when I got older. I seriously considered it a few years ago. Got tired of going swimming, or to the beach and walking around not being able to look people in the eye out of shame.
Honestly, at this point after reading alot of these posts I’m glad I didn’t have the surgery. I came here because I was considering it again, but do not want to spend the rest of my life going back to the eye doctor to correct (overcorrection/undercorrection) problems that were brought on by this surgery. Other than the cosmetic effect, I currently have no REAL problems with double vision, wandering, etc. and am not looking to adopt any.
I’ve worn (thick) eyeglasses my whole life and like most, i was teased in school because of them. But since my junior year in high school I’ve worn contact lenses, which also correct my left eye, with no problem. Good luck to all of u, but now I see why my mom opted not to have me operated on as a child. It seems this surgery may cause more harm than good and I’m certain she didn’t want me to blame her once I got older.

By Pete on Jun 16, 2009 | Reply

I’m a 29 male who has struggled with intermittent exotropia in my left eye since about the 2nd grade. My deviation was 14 PD. My mother decided not to have my eye surgically corrected. I strongly encourage strabismus patients and parents of strabismus patients to get surgery. I am now 5 days postoperative having had adjustable suture surgery and love the result. I am mildly overcorrected but my opthamologist (Dr. Sherwin J Isenberg of the Jules Stein Institute at UCLA) assured me that the overcorrection will resolve itself in 2 months. Adjustable Sutures are a well developed clinical solution for strabismus in adults.
see:
http://bjo.bmj.com/cgi/content/abstract/93/4/443

I couldn’t be happier.

By Pete on Jun 16, 2009 | Reply

Pam’s Comment on April 15th:

I just had eye muscle three weeks ago to correct my eye turning out. Now it looks like it turns in. I was wondering if you had this same thing happen to you and how long it takes for you eye to settle into straight position.

My Opthamologist Dr. Sherwin Isenberg demonstrated that for exotropia a mild overcorrection during adjustable suture surgery will give the best long term result.

Ocular Drift is in the direction of undercorrection so you will probably go straight in a month or two.

By Pete on Jun 17, 2009 | Reply

Ok I just got back from my first postop appointment with the doctors since my June 10th surgery for exotropia in my left eye. They did the cover tests near and far. And….I have perfect alignment at distant fixation. At near I do have an exophoria, however. But for the first time in my life I’m not exotropic anymore. I’m still happy.

By Angela on Jun 17, 2009 | Reply

I was born with strabismus in my left eye and had an operation when I was a baby. I never had any problems with it and no one could ever notice it up until i was about 17, my left eye began to turn in again. As the yrs have gone by its gotten worse and worse and has become a big problem for me, i am now 22.

I am very self concious about it. People always say “wow your eyes are so blue let me look at them” but i can never hold eye conact coz i am afraid when they will see my lazy eye and be put off. Its also very hard to build relationships and also hard in job interviews when I am so self concious

I have fine vision though, my doctor says that i only use my right eye (my good one) to see, and that surgery will just be purely cosmetic, and i will still only use my right eye like how i do now, but i may have double vision in left eye after, but it wouldnt matter much as my brain is used to using the right eye

Has any one ever has this surgery? If so how were the results? How long were you off work and was it very painful?

Thanks,
Angela

By Pete on Jun 19, 2009 | Reply

Angela,
I had intermittent exotropia so before when I’d close my eyes and open my eyes my eye muscles would have to tense to bring everything back into alignment. This had an effect on my sense of motion and caused vertigo. Over the years I could control my eye turn and I’d see double only when I’d get really tired or after reading for a long time.

Having straight eyes now, everything is still. When I open my eyes I feel the stillness of everything around me. I don’t get dizzy reading and I can sit back in my car and drive with my eyes relaxed. For the past 4 days my upper left brain has been tingling and tickling (from the joy of the new eye position?).

I had the strabismus surgery on a Thursday and returned to work on Monday. The surgery is done under general anesthesia so you don’t feel them working. Waking up from the surgery I had a foreign body sensation in the eye. It was more annoying than painful.
I slept almost for 30 hours after the surgery and when I woke up I stared at the shandeleire in my room for 4 hours mesmerized at this wonderful thing called binocular vision. I can’t wait to look into a microscope as I have never ever been able to look through both eye pieces simultaneously.

By dave on Jun 25, 2009 | Reply

Chris,35
I’ve had vertical strabismus since i was a child, i walked around with my head tilted to one side which as a result made me rubbish at playing sports at school - for example every time i tried to do a simple forward rollover i would twist of at some weired angle etc..

My left eye is the dominant one and right eyelid was drooping given way to comments such as ‘you have one eye bigger than the other’ which made it a nightmare holding smoooth eye contact.

Anyway i decided after many years of bottling it to have surgery so about five years ago i had the op and the results have done nothing for my self esteem like i hoped they would.

First of on the positive side the head tilt has gone and the drooping eyelid on the lazy eye has raised giving the impression that it looks normal and looking over to the right i don’t have to squint like before.

The negatives… well the operated on left eye has not only pointing upwards worse than before its also pointing slightly outwards still giving me the one bigger than the other look, the eyelid is constantly forced into the brow when i look straight ahead so i look ’surprised’ all the time, and suprised in one eye looks freaky!!

This was noticable as soon as i removed the patch but i was hoping it would improve as time went on as i did’nt have the guts to go through with another op. On the post op checkup
i tried (stupidly i know) to pretended i was happy with the results, even though the opthamologist did’nt see it as a success the docters words were “we don’t need to be seeing you again” er thanks.

I walked out of the hospital with feelings of i should be grateful but i’m gutted vibe, now i’ve spent the last 4 years on and off contemplating a second op.

Having eyes symetrical for cosmetic reasons may seem vain to some but it cannot be dissmissed lightly, so much expressions and emotions are communicated through the eyes so if your avoding eye contact due to strabismus then its very hard to connect with people you don’t know etc.

Communicating that your ’surprised’ all the time kinda says the wrong thing after a while, anyway i’m glad i stumbled across this site its begining to inspire me for a follow-up op
which i should of done at the time. Someone suggested a eye excercise on here so i’ll give that a try in the mean time…

By steve on Jul 21, 2009 | Reply

had strabismus surgery one week ago today @ university of iowa hospital…both eyes…adjustable sutures in right…no pain or nausea…doctor and staff were great…swelling and redness almost gone…still have double vision but seems to be getting better…52 years old…had surgery for crossed eyes at 12 years old but gradually turned out…eyes better aligned now…real confidence booster…hope vision comes around…post op visit with doc tomorrow…keep you posted…steve

By Holly on Aug 13, 2009 | Reply

Hey everyone,

I have suffered from strabismusin my right eye for 40 years. I have had 8 surgeries on my “bad eye” as I call it. I was born with my eye turned in…My first surgery was when I ws two and it was a great success. My right eye was straight for 20 years with no double vision. Then my eye started to turn out so I opted to have another surgery at age 21. I felt the second surgery was a success as well with my eye staying straight for about 11 years with slight double vision. The last six surgeries have all been within the last 8 years. With each surgery comes more and more scar tissue, damage to the nerves and restricted movement. From straight on… My eyes look completey normal, however, my right eye is almost totally paralyzed from the scar tissue and will not move right or left. I only have up and down movement. I have worn a cute little pirate patch on the eye for about a year. I don’t have to worry about the eyes fighting each other anymore when it comes to focusing…I saw a specialist today from India and he thinks he can successfully remove all the scar tissue with new techniques and medications that are injected into the surgery site before sutures are placed… He feels confident I will get my movement back…I really have gotten used to the patch… It is pretty cool.. I am a pretty cute lady and that patch has really helped my self esteem and ability to keep eye contact.. For those of you that are having a similar problem.. Try a patch.. You may like it.

Holly

By layla on Aug 23, 2009 | Reply

hello im a 33 yr old attractive women,who has strabismus( a wandering left eye) and its so embarressing,ive been thinking about surgery for a while now but im afraid it might get worst, it has definately affected my social life,guys are always asking me out but im to ashame to sit at a dinner table where they have to look in my face,and no matter how pretty i may seem to others ,i dont feel it,i really dont know what to do some days i have confidence but most days i dont,,I dont know what to do,,is there anyone who ’s had a succes with the surgery

By layla on Aug 23, 2009 | Reply

hey steve i just was wondering how are things going after surgery,,would you suggest having it done?

By paola on Oct 3, 2009 | Reply

hi, does anyone know what’s the average cost of eye muscle surgery without insurance in the US? with everything included…

By C.J. on Oct 4, 2009 | Reply

Martin what is your surgeons name?

By Toni on Oct 21, 2009 | Reply

I had this surgery done Oct 19th ‘09.

I’m a 35 old female, and my eye had strabismus when I was 24.

The first few days after surgery, it was aligned, today my eye is going the opposite way, instead of turning in towards my nose.

My condition is rare though, the eye that had strabismus is partially blind due to a cold sore virus entering the eye and leaving scar tissue blocking my vision. So my eye wanders. I’m hoping after a month or so it levels out and remains straight otherwise I will need another surgery.

I did this because I have low self esteem most times due to it. When it’s corrected when you are small it is great, but when you get it as an adult, it is heart breaking. One day you are young and attractive, and normal looking, the next day you look like a freak show, because my eye wanders. One day it’s straight, the next it isn’t.

I reside in Kansas, my surgery was done in Garden City.

By Toni on Oct 21, 2009 | Reply

Layla, if you have good insurance, I would go for it, you won’t regret it!!

By Billy on Oct 25, 2009 | Reply

My name is Billy. I am a 31 year old male going in for a second strab surgery. I had the first one when I was 7. Originally my right eye turned in, but as the years passed, it now turns out. Why is that? The Dr. is going to operate on both eyes in hopes of achieving alignment. He was very optimistic when I spoke to him since I suppress my right eye. Currently my right eye turns out 25 degrees and is very noticeable. I currently have 20/25 vision with glasses and I am told this is rare and a good indication of how the surgery will turn out. I am hoping this will work. My self-esteem is non-existent and I avoid eye contact at all costs(sound familiar?). When people ask me if I am talking to them when I am looking right at them is painful and bothers me still. I endured all the insults growing up and the social isolation that came with this condition. There are no pictures of me growing up and I run like a mad from cameras. I am very positive about this and I trust my Dr.

By George on Oct 28, 2009 | Reply

This George and I am 63. I have commented several times on this blog. I had my right eye done one year ago, and I am still satisfied with the results. This year, I had cataract surgery done in both eyes. It is possible that my right eye will drift out as I get older, but I am loving it for now. I look people straight into their eyes and they look back. No pain, just redness for about a month and eye drops. The doctor only did the right eye, even though she recommended doing both at one time for proper balance. I did not want her touching my good eye. My right eye was as bad as it could be at about 45 diopters out. My right eye has been lazy all my life, and I see double when I force vision through both. But most of the time, I suppress the righ eye vision and do not see double. I think the results depend a lot on the surgeon and other complications present before the surgery. I know of others who have had successful surgeries, and do not personally know of bad results. I got references from my doctor before the surgery. Do not make cost the deciding factor between two surgeons, go for experience and references.
George
George

By George on Oct 28, 2009 | Reply

Billy:
I had my first surgery when I was 11 52 years ago. I had my last one one year ago. Just like you, my right eye turned in. Around 20 years old, it looked straight, but over the years, it turned out more than yours to 45 degrees, so I know exactly how you feel because at times after I made presentations and asked for questions, unless I pointed to someone, they did not know who I was talking to. I also have suppressed my right eye vision for all these years, so we have a lot in common (except I am a lot older). In my case, my surgeon also recommended that both eyes be done at one time for best results, but I was reluctant to have her touch my only good eye, so she only did my lazy eye that went out. In my case, I had non adjustable sutures, but that is because she said my right eye was so far out that she would have to do the maximum muscle adjustment she could and that adjustable sutures would probably not be helpful. At 25 degrees, you can probably go either way doing both eyes, one eye, with or without adjustable sutures. If your surgeon has a lot of experience and a good reputation, I would trust his/her opinion. From my experience, childhood strabismus procedures are more common because children can be so cruel. Just make sure your surgeon has done a fair number of adults also. If any one else has any questions, I would be glad to answer them. I will check this blog daily.
Good luck.

By Billy on Oct 29, 2009 | Reply

George-It is good to hear people share their successful stories. The internet is full of horror stories of surgical horror and stories of doctor incompetence. How was your recovery time? I was told about the red eyes and the irritation, but what about blurry vision? Was that an issue for you? How long did it last? My Dr. was highly recommended by several other doctors. When I went in for my initial exam, I asked him more questions than he was asked in medical school. He politely answered them all and put me at ease. His specialty is childhood strabismus, but he has done a fair number of adult cases. His oldest case was someone in their 70s. He was very optimistic about my results and was very confident in his abilities. That made a huge impact on me. I am very good at reading people and something just felt right. He didn’t talk down to me like doctors have in the past and he was very professional. My insurance is paying for all but $700 of my surgery. I think that is a very fair price for a surgery that can have this much impact on my life.

By George on Oct 29, 2009 | Reply

Billy:
After the surgery, they asked if I had pain or nausea before they sent me home. I was in the surgery center about 3 and a half hours overall, including checking in, preparation, surgery, and recovery. The actual procedure took I think about 45 minutes (I was anesthesized the whole time). The next day my operated eye was very red,and combined with poor vision in it to begin with and a cataract,it was hard to tell immediately how straight it was. There was no pain whatsoever. My post-op visit two days later, the doctor said I looked fine and the deviation measurement was about 5. She said that up to 10 the eyes look cosmetically straight. You need to take drops three times a day, which is a hastle, but you must do diligently. The redness took a month to clear up. To see how straight my right eye was, I had to look at a mirror very close up.The blurriness was mainly due to the fact that my right eye has poor vision to begin with, compounded by a cataract. Up close to a mirror, my eye appeared straight or slightly overcorrected,which may be due to how close I was to the mirror (inches), but I could not tell for sure until after the redness went away when I could look form several feet away. I asked several people to give me an unbiased opinion and they all said it looked really good. Finally after a month I could see my right eye more clearly to conclude that it was good. It is hard to describe the feeling when I went to a trade show about a month after the surgery and everyone was looking straight into my eyes without looking away. From what you said, it sounds like your doctor has the right experience and attitude. At an out of pocket cost of $700, that is really good these days. When is your procedure scheduled?

By Billy on Oct 29, 2009 | Reply

My surgery is November 17th at 5 A.M. in Birmingham, AL. The only aspect of the surgery that bothers me is the 5 A.M. part. I imagine my recovery time will be a little longer since both eyes will be an issue. I will follow the post-op care directions to the letter. I work in a store where I deal with the public every day and it is hard sometimes. The redness might keep some of them in line. My follow-up is scheduled for one week after the surgery. I have a week of vacation time off following the surgery. I am hoping that will be a sufficient amount of time for the major issues to pass. I have called the surgery scheduler several times to verify I have everything in order before the surgery. I am taking no chances. This is one of the most important things I have ever done in my life and I want to be prepared. I suppose I am luckier than some. I can pick the one aspect of my life that bothers me, single it out and get help.

By whitney on Oct 31, 2009 | Reply

if you developed amblyopia or lazy eye. meaning you dont have binocular vision. you have monocular vision and one dominant eye. then surgery can be done for cosmetic purposes. to align your eyes. but amblyopia is a solidifed neurological disorder that your brain can accommodate for to some extent. but no corrective lenses can improve the vision in that eye. vision therapy is rumored to give positive results to young adults, but its minimal.

By princess on Nov 1, 2009 | Reply

hello! please help. i have strabismus since i was a kid. i am now 23 years old. i am a registered nurse and i am really worried because my eye disorder might affect profession. i want to apply as a nurse abroad but i am scared that employers might reject me because of my eyes. do you know someone who has strabismus but are still accepted to work as a nurse in hospitals? and i am wondering too because it has been mentioned here that in strabismus surgery, even the straight eyes are being operated? why is it operated if it is already straight? by the way, an EENTH here in our country told me i also have a retinal detachment in my left eye? how can strabismus and retinal detachment be corrected at the same time? thanx

By george on Nov 1, 2009 | Reply

Whitney

You are right. I had no expectation or desire of regaining binocular vision since I have suppressed my right eye vision for 60 years and I see double when I consciously force myself to use my right eye. I did my surgery based on cosmetic, self confidence, and embarassement reasons. But in my opinion, those reasons are good enough to have the strabismus correction done. Enough mental suffering and ridicule for 60 years!

By Tasha on Nov 7, 2009 | Reply

My surgery is scheduled for November 19th in Mobile, AL, and I am very nervous yet excited. I’ve had strabismus since I was a child and now I’m 28 y/o. I was told earlier on during childhood that this could never be corrected, and was given a perscription for hard contacts last year to correct the situation but it didn’t work. I’m nervous because of all the bad things I have heard about having to have more than one surgery to correct this and it not working, but I feel like if I don’t try I will always wonder what if. I work with the public everyday and it’s hard to make direct eye contact because I know my eye wonders. I can tell how people look at me they are wondering what is going on with her eyes and some people even ask. This has been something I have had a hard time dealing with because I consider my self a friendly person and I love to meet people but with my eyes like they are I hate make eye contact and people assume that I am really shy. Dating is almost impossible because of this. I will post another comment after I have my surgery. I’m so happy to have found this site because I felt like I was the only person going through this.

By Billy on Nov 7, 2009 | Reply

Tasha-Your words echo the feelings of many of us. My surgery is November 17th in Birmingham. The reactions people have can be painful. I try to ignore them, but it is hard. Stay positive and focus on the results.

By george on Nov 9, 2009 | Reply

Tasha and Billy:
Probably every strabismus surgery is different because of other conditions affecting the eye. In my case, I had strabismus previously in France in 1956 and my surgeon said that she had scarring to deal with from that early procedure. I bet most of you did not know that strabismus surgery had been around that long. Also, because of my extreme right eye outward deviation (45 diopters), she had to do the maximum eye muscle adjustment she could without adjustable sutures. In other words, what you see is literally what you get. But she was confident about it because she had worked on these conditions before, having over 20 years specializing with strabismus surgery. After one year, I am very pleased with the results. If your surgeon has years of experience, he or she has probably seen your exact situation before and knows how to deal with it. That is why experience and references are important, as I have stated previously. Good luck with your procedures and I expect to hear from you in two weeks. I was confident of my surgeon, but my greatest fear was being put to sleep and losing conscious control. It is important that those of us who have good results report them and not just the bad results as was noted by another blogger. I personally feel such a relief from the 60 years of embarassment that I want to shout it to the world. I feel that I am no longer socially isolated. That is why I blog, and I have said before, hog this site so much (I have never blogged on any other medical site for any reason)

By george on Nov 9, 2009 | Reply

Princess:
This is George again. My surgeon told me that she preferred to operate both eyes to help balance the muscles. I suppose that is the currently preferred method. I told her that I did not want to have her touch my good eye. In my engineering field, the saying goes “if it is not broke, do not fix it”, so I told her no touching the left eye. She said then she would do the best she could in that case, so she only operated on my lazy right eye that was out 45 diopters. One year later, as James Brown said in his old song “I feel good” about my decision. For your information, I also had cataracts in both eyes, which I have fixed since the strabismus surgery.

By Billy on Nov 16, 2009 | Reply

I leave in a few hours for my surgery. I have more apprehension involving the hospital gown than the surgery. I have scheduled a week off of work for recovery and I go back for my followup a week after the procedure. The Dr. will be operating on both eyes(bilateral rectus) in hopes of achieving good alignment. I currently have a right eye that turns out 25 degrees. I will post the results as soon as I can.

By george on Nov 17, 2009 | Reply

Billy:

I expect to hear good news from you in a week. Do not be worried about the intense redness, that is normal. Ask someone to help you with the drops if you need to. I turned off the lights directly above me because they glared into my eyes and I could not see well with that glare to place the drops in the right place.

By Billy on Nov 18, 2009 | Reply

My surgery was yesterday. My eyes are extremely red and I am very sensitive to light. I fully expected all this. What I did not expect was my eye to be nowhere near straight. Will this get better? My Dr. said everything went perfect and he was happy with the results. Is it normal for the eyes not to be straight right after the surgery? Is it because of selling? I am really worried I will have to have another surgery.

By perfumed on Nov 20, 2009 | Reply

Guys, if you are considering strabismus surgery make sure that you take the time out to get a second or even third opinion. Even if you know that you need surgery, having a second opinion is needed to make sure that your surgeon will be performing the appropriate procedure.

I was recently recommended by a number of top surgeons including ophthalmologists to a strabismus expert widely considered to be “the best of the best” And indeed, he has a number of accolades to his name including being named “Amreica’s top doctor” a number of times. He also has many many years of experience. Since i was pressed for time and since he was considered “the best,” I simply trusted his work and did not go for a second consultation. As it turns out, he misdiagnosed my condition and only performed half the surgery necessary to correct my strabismus. As a result, i now have to have a re-operation to finish the job- something that would have taken an extra 20 minutes in the operating room had he not missed the problem in his diagnosis.

Every day now, I suffer from frustration and sadness that my eye is only “halfway fixed” due to a careless mistake that, frankly could have happened to anyone. Please protect yourself from this happening to you by getting as many expert opinions as you can before making the final decision what to do.

By george on Nov 21, 2009 | Reply

Billy:
A few days after my surgery, I thought that my right eye was overcorrected. Since you cannot see well yet from a distance, looking close up at a mirror may make it appear that way. Upon my post op visit, my doctor also said she was satisfied with the results, but I did not completely believe her either. But as I said before, everyone is different. I remember someone else saying last year that looking close up at a mirror made it look off center. In my case, the inside of my eye was so red that it made it appear to be closer in than it actually was. Give it a couple of weeks at least. They say the eye muscles take at least two weeks to settle into position.
After that, get someone you know well who was familiar with your condition before to give you an objective opinion by looking straight into their eyes from about 10 feet away. I recommend you do not get a family member to do this because they will tell you what they think you want to hear. At least that is what I did.

By Billy on Nov 21, 2009 | Reply

Thank you George. That actually made me feel better. It has been 4 days since my surgery and I am still in pain. My eyes are burning and light is like rusty daggers. My right eye looks no better than it did before the procedure. It is amazing how much of a let down something like this can be. I am still applying the neomycin drops three times a day and following the post-op directions to the letter. I was told I could return to work after three days, but that is simply impossible. It is hard to look at a computer screen for more than 10 minutes at a time and driving is a real chore. I am trying to remain optimistic, but it is hard. I have left several messages with my Dr., but none of them have been returned. I am going to try again Monday morning.

By george on Nov 23, 2009 | Reply

Billy:
I can identify with your feelings. I was disappointed when I thought my right eye was overcorrected. But that eased after the redness dissipated and I could see for myself, and people confirmed the improvement. Since you are so concerned with the results and while you are waiting for redness improvement and eye settling, I would go into the office instead of waiting for a call. Understanding that everyone heals differently,I did not have the pain you described, or that intense reaction to light. Just in case, I would keep a log of every call you have made or tried, and to whom you talked to and what they said starting with the pre-op visit in case you continue to get no answers, or are not pleased with the results by next week.

By george on Nov 23, 2009 | Reply

Perfumed:
You give good advise about a second opinion, and I would add ask for references from recent patients for the surgeon you have tentatively selected. Any significant medical procedure should be thoroughly investigated, just like a major financial investment. That is why this site is a good source to provide experiences, good or bad, and support for others who are considering strabismus surgery to provide a basis for an important medical decision. Ultimately, 90% of the success of the procedure depends on the surgeon you trust and select. Any one else have an opinion on this?

By Billy on Nov 26, 2009 | Reply

Well, I went back for my 1 week follow-up. The Dr. said it is 1/3 of the way closer to being straight. He was very happy with the results. It is healing well and some of the redness has subsided. I have no double vision and I am able to do everything I could before. My vision is a little different than before, but the Dr. told me that was due to residual swelling. I have to go back in a little over a month for the final post-op visit. Then we are going to assess the situation and decide on the next step. He seemed very surprised that I was unsatisfied with the results. Am I wrong in feeling this way? There was talk of another surgery in the Spring. I am not looking forward to that.

By concerned mother on Nov 28, 2009 | Reply

hi my 9 year old son is due for his strabismus surgery in 3 days…his left eye is lazy but has no vision problems hes able to align them on his own withougt a problem…so i am worried about the procedure and the outcome…will he lose strength of his own eye muscles after surgery and will he have to go back for more surgery as he gets older….i want to know if its possible that his eyes will get worse after time…. i am soo very nervous, am i doing the right thing with going through with this????

By george on Nov 29, 2009 | Reply

Billy:
I am glad to hear that the swelling and redness have subsided. It took me about 3 weeks for most of the redness to go away. I also had some swelling. When the doctor says it is 1/3 corrected, how far out (or in) was it? My right eye was out 45 diopters, just about max. I was told that up to 10 diopters they appear cosmetically straight. During my last check up, I was told it was out about 5, but I cannot tell it is out at all now. In my case, I see double if I force vision through my right eye because after 60 years of suppression, I did not expect to have binocular vision. Did you have adjustable sutures for fine adjustment?

By george on Nov 29, 2009 | Reply

Concerned mother:

I had strabismus surgery when I was 11 in France in 1956. I was told to go for eye exercises, which I did not do because we came to the U.S. and could not afford them anyway. In addition, using both eyes caused double vision, so I continued to suppress vision through my right eye. For these reasons, I did not do the eye exercises. Remember that eye muscles are just that. They probably need to be exercised to keep them strong. In my case, the neglect led to gradual drifting outward over the next 50 years. If the strabismus is very noticeable, I recommend you do not put your son in the position of being made fun of. I went through it. My cousin’s daughter was born with strabismus and she had surgery around 1 year of age. She is out of college now and beautiful with straight eyes. They did not drift over the years. I do not know if she did eye exercises, but I am guessing she did.

By Billy on Nov 29, 2009 | Reply

My right eye was out 25 degrees. I don’t know how that relates to diopters, but it was a lot. He said he couldn’t do much more this time for fear of putting too much stress on the muscle. He said the muscle would adapt to the new placement and the next surgery will be easier. I go back the 6th for the final follow up and a possible second surgery scheduling in the Spring. My right eye is mostly suppressed, but I have near perfect vision in it when I use it. The Dr. said that this was unusual and it should make my surgeries easier. I don’t know why. If mine appeared straight I would be ecstatic. I will forge ahead and face each obstacle with the strength that comes from a lifetime of hiding from the staring eyes of others.

By george on Nov 30, 2009 | Reply

Billy:
Sounds like you are healing normally except that you do not like the results. Unless there were other conditions, I do not buy your doctor’s reasoning. To be fair, my doctor also said she could not guarantee results or complet satisfaction, but assured improvement. In my case, eventhough my right eye was the only one operated on, my surgeon held my left eye muscles that has always looked normal in place mechanically during the procedure to correct the large deviation in my right eye. I do not know where you live, but I am in Fresno, California if you want a different surgeon the next time unless your eyes settle better, which my doctor said could happen, and I have read in some cases they might. In my case, there was not much settling. I am about 4-6 out, I am told, but I cannot tell. You will know within a month. Eye exercises and prism lenses may help. They say it helps, but I cannot recommend patching your good eye. I tried it and my right eye straightened by itself instantly when I used my right eye only. But after a couple of months of doing this, my right eye went out even more when I used my good eye. That is when I gave up and opted for surgery. You may try to patch your good eye for a moment and see if your lazy eye straightens up. If it straightens by itself then I think the muscles can be adjusted properly. But as I said, do not do it for long periods of time. Your situation may be different in that my right eye had been lazy for 60 years. I know you are disappointed, as I would be, but it has improved, and you know it can improve to your satisfaction. I will be out of touch for the rest of the week after tonight.

By Heather Fitzpatrick on Nov 30, 2009 | Reply

Hi! I just had strabismus surgery 12 days ago and at the age of 43 I am happy to say it was a success! I have had three childhood surgeries that left me with hyper and hypotropia as well as exotropia. In other words I have vertical and horizontal misalignment in BOTH eyes. My misalignment was very, very severe, with one of my eyes rolling all the way up to the ceiling. I underwent the adjustable sutcher proceedure and it was not pleasant, but not horrible either. Just a little unnerving!
I have a blog that follows my recovery at http://www.seeing3d.blogspot dot com. I feel so incredibly lucky. Now I am on to the most important part of my recovery and in three days i begin Vision Therapy again (I did it for a year before surgery) with a COVD certified vision therapist. The surgeon aligned my eyes beautifully, but he can’t teach me how to use them! Now I have to train my brain to accept the world out of two eyes with exercises.

By Billy on Dec 1, 2009 | Reply

George- I had my surgery in Birmingham, Alabama and the surgeon did not use adjustable sutures. Since the day of the surgery my eye has not moved at all. It is exactly where he left it. He is waiting until the first of the year to see how it looks. I am certain there will be another surgery. The next time I am not letting him touch my good eye.

Heather- Congratulations on your surgery! I am glad everything went so well for you.

By David on Dec 2, 2009 | Reply

Hello..
I undewent my first and only surgery on May 26, 2006. My right eye always “veered” outward since I can remember, there is a feeling one gets as the eye slides away and whatever we’re looking at seems to split into two… At the time of my surgery I was 38 years young, the surgeon/opthomologist game plan was too shorten the inner eye muscle of my right eye and eventually the eyes will retain their alignment. Unfortunately this didn’t happen, don’t get me wrong, anyone looking at me will swear on the bible that my eyes are straight, and I’m sure they are, the problem is what my eye is actually aiming at, my right eye aims about half an inch to the left causing me constant double vision. I’ve return to several other eye specialist, both Fresnel and grounded prisms were attempted, but all resulted in distorted/blurry vision without being able to unify/fuse the images.
I’ve resorted to patching the right ( amblyophic eye ), but those pirate patches are sticky/hot/uncomfortable, so I moved on to putting black tape on a clear eyeglass lens, I guess it’s the “New age pirate look”…
It’s been almost 4 years w/ this “New look” and I’m hoping advances in technology will come within my life time, until then I feel all we can do is support each other with a little compassion and take it one day at a time.

By george on Dec 2, 2009 | Reply

Heather:
I am also glad all went well with your procedure. Make sure you take the drops religiously to keep infection and inflamation away.
Billy:
I did not go out of town after all. Keep us posted on your progress and next step.

By george on Dec 2, 2009 | Reply

Concerned Mother:
How is your son doing? I assume he had his procedure Monday or Tuesday. Remember his eyes will be very red and very sensitive to light for at least one to two weeks. Make sure he takes his drops.

By Turtle on Dec 14, 2009 | Reply

perfumed - who was your surgeon? if you would rather not post here, please email me at turtleeater18@yahoo.com

By Billy on Dec 16, 2009 | Reply

Random update on my situation-The eye that was out the most has started drifting back to where it was before the surgery. I am not happy about this at all and I am afraid it might go farther this time. The headaches I used to have are back and my quality of life is at an all time low. The surgeon is going to get an ear full when I go back in January.

By george on Dec 22, 2009 | Reply

Billy
If there is another specialist in strabismus surgery in your area, I would get a second opinion before you see your last surgeon.
David:
If you follow this blog, you know that I am 63. I have had double vision since I was 2, so I did not expect to have binocular vision. Like you my eyes look perfectly straight, but if I use my right eye, I see double also. My doctor told me that I may see double as part of her “cautions” before the surgery. In my case, I have not used my right (corrected) eye for 60 years so suppressing its vision to not see double was not difficult. During my post op visits, they told me my right eye was out about 5 diopters, which looks straight, but causes me to see double if I use my right eye. When I had my first surgery done in France in 1956, they told me to get eye exercises to strengthen the muscles and not see double. I never did them. Ask your surgeon if this may work for you.

By Greta Weisman on Dec 27, 2009 | Reply

I just read your post. Call the Mayo Clinic in Rochester and look to Dr. JM Holmes for who would be good in your area. He just did mine and mine was quite difficult as I have had 4 previous surgeries. I didn’t think anyone could help me and was pleasantly totally surprised. Just go to the Mayoclinic.com and find his contact info.

By Greta Weisman on Dec 27, 2009 | Reply

George! I had a similar experience. Just had my 5th surgery and never thought I’d be able to see like this. I’m 36 though. I think about how grateful I am about 3million times a day. I want to call the surgeon daily and thank him but that would be annoying so instead I just say a little prayer to God to thank him for my eye last eye dr. I never dreamed this would be fixed. Isnt’ it great?

By Nona on Dec 27, 2009 | Reply

i have been reading these comments about this surgery ,, i am thinking of having this ,, but to be honest ,, i am a bit afraid ,,
i am 20 years old ,, and i read that the chances of having perfect results is not that high , thus i want u guys to tell weather i should get it or not ,,
i have had normal vision since i was young ,, but then ,, when i turned 19 my left eye started feeling weird ,, n i started having blurry visions ,, then suddly i losted vision in my left eye ,, n recently ,, this eye ,, started to drift outwards ,, i started feeling weird , cz i look diffrant ,, then i consulted one of the eye Drs n he said that i should get this surgary ,, So ,, would u please provide me of the results from ur own exeriances ?~ i mean ,, should i get it or not ?! =(

By honey on Dec 29, 2009 | Reply

i have been told that having surgery to correct starbismus with one lazy eye doesnt have gurantaeed prognosis as the eye might drift out again in several years…anyone has expereicne about this >?

By George on Dec 29, 2009 | Reply

Greta:
I am so pleased you have had a similar experience as I have. I still cannot believe that I can look people straight in the eye for the firt time in 60 years and not see others avoid eye contact, and in some cases snicker.
Nona:
I know how you feel. I was afraid to do the procedure for 20 years, until I could not take the feeling anymore. My surgeon talked me out of it about 7 years earlier by saying she could not guarantee perfect results, only improvement. She also said I may have double vision. She said that my eyes could resume drifting. Also she said that she needed to do both eyes to improve chances. Finally, she told me that I was out 45 diopters, which is about as much as can be. About 3 years ago, I was scheduled, but chickened out. In my case, when I was 2 years old, I had a high fever (my mother told me years later when I asked her) and my eye turned suddenly and very noticeably. I saw double, so I suppressed my vision in the turned eye and have ever since. I do know how I felt when this happened because I was two. I do not know if this was the same as you. I think you should have an opthomologist check to see if there are other issues with your eye that caused the loss of vision. AS I have said before, everyone is different. Do you still not see through your bad when you cover your good eye or is it blurry? Ask your doctor if in his experience strabismus surgery will not only provide cosmetic relief, but vision improvement. After my strabismus surgery, I did cataract surgery in both eyes, and I guess I had these cataracts for 50 years or more because I always had thick glasses until now. Make sure that if you pick your surgeon, you get recommendations from your primary doctor and your opthmologist and references from patients who have had this procedure done. Do not rely upon certificates or diplomas. Keep us posted.

By George on Dec 29, 2009 | Reply

Honey
I had the strabismus surgery when I was 11 in France in 1956. My right eye was undercorrected, but better than before. I was told then that unless I did eye exercises to correct the remaining mis-alignment, my right eye would drift. I did not do the exercises. By the time I was 21, looking at my pictures,my right eye had drifted to the point that they looked straight. Over the next 40 years my right eye drifted out significantly and at 62, I had my second strabismus surgery. I was also told that everyone is different in that some eyes drift, some do not after the procedure. Also, I was told that if I have both eyes done together, there is a better chance of good alignment. I chose to only have the lazy outward eye done. The doctor held the other eye in place so it did not move during the procedure, but did not cut the muscles in my good eye. I had the procedure 14 months ago. So far so good. That is my experience. I hope it helps.

By honey on Dec 30, 2009 | Reply

thanks for your reply george
im shecduled for a second opinion on 21st Jan and i will see an opthomologist and a surgeon to have complete opinion, i think i will go ahead with the third surgery if they recomend it for me as i had 2 suregries when i was a child and the results were perfect until lately, im 34 now and the lazy eye started drifting out again..
i have another question for you, from your past experience,do you recomend local anaethesia for the surgery ? and how long was your recovery period i mean the redness to dissapear ?

By George on Dec 30, 2009 | Reply

Honey, I have to say in my case it is being put to sleep that is scary, not the procedure itself. However, upon the doctor’s extensive experience (over 20 years) with thousands of procedures completed and former patient references, I went along with general anathesia. I told her that with a former different surgery, I had chills when I woke up. So they accounted for that in the anesthesia. I had no pain, but my eyes (even the unoperated one because it was held in place) were very red. I went for my post-op the next day and asked if the extensive redness was normal, and the doctor said it was and that she was satisfied with the results. I could see too well (I also had cataracts in both eyes at the time) to see the results for myself, so I thought I was overcorrected. She assured me that was not the case. After a few days, the redness decreased. In two weeks, the redness was reduced by about 90%, and I could see for myself that the results were good. I was prescribed pain medication, but did not need it. The hardest part was putting in my three different drops three times a day, each a few minutes apart. Because of my cataracts, it was hard to get the drops in the right place, so I had my wife help me at home and my secretary at the office. I went to work the next day after the surgery. I had to wear the special sun glasses they gave me as bright lights were very bothersome. When you put your drops in, turn off the lights above you. I had to use sun glasses outdoors for about a month. In about a month, the redness was completely gone. My one month checkup showed that my right eye was out about 5 diopters. Before the surgery, it was out 45 diopter, which is about as much as can be. Up to 10 diopter, they cosmetically look straight, I was told. A few months later, I had cataract surgery in one eye, then the other a few months after that. I was glad to find this site before this procedure and it was helpful even though not all experiences were positive. There is nothing like personal experiences to guide us. This site helped me so that is why I want to share my experience and give out the cautions. I know I blog too much on this site, but I have never blogged on any other site. My strabismus had been such a psychological burden for me for nearly 60 years, that I am very passionate about it and want to give back to this site. Any othe questions? I hope others can share their experiences with you as well.

By Mija on Dec 30, 2009 | Reply

Hi everyone!
I am so glad I found you. I just had surgery in November. It has been six weeks and my eye looks great. I have had so many moments of doubt. My family has been very patient, as I constantly ask them: “Is my eye crossed? How about now? Now?” I take pictures of myself from my telephone and just can’t believe that at 40, my eyes are finally straight. Although having ‘crossed eyes’ my whole life was a huge part of my interior world. I never spoke of it, acknowledged it, or shared with anyone the shame I felt. After the surgery I started talking about it for the first time. My family was shocked and so upset at everything I went through on a daily basis to try to have social interactions. I thought one little observation might be helpful to some of you, and I have a question as well:
1. I have to change old established behaviors. I am so used to spending all my energy on putting my eyes somewhere to avoid eye contact. It is incredibly uncomfortable to look at someone in the eyes, even today. I have to tell myself “It’s ok, your eyes are fine.” then I relax and look at someone’s face. I hold their gaze and look for their reaction. The great thing is, there is none! They are not searching for my eyes, or looking confused, or anything other than having a conversation with me. I am slowly learning to stop worrying and assume that my eyes are now straight.
2. I do not know how to really look at someone in the eyes. I don’t where the eyes actually go, and noone with two working eyes has been able to really describe it to me. I end up ’switching’ between the two eyes, kind of back and forth. I guess I will land on something comfortable for me eventually. I try to focus on not doing the old behaviors, like turning my head, or crossing my right eye to try to make the left eye turn outwards. I want this to be a conscious process, rather than an unconscious one, so I am practicing putting my right eye directly across from the other person’s left eye. This is a big exercise!
3. My left eye is still a little red in the corner and has flesh (scar tissue?) over where the suture was. Has anyone had this experience? Can I expect the redness and the lump to completely disappear? I hope so.

Anyway, thank you all for taking time to share. I am feeling so great about having this part of my life out in the open after all these years!!!!
Mija

By George on Dec 31, 2009 | Reply

Mija:
Thanks for sharing your experience. As you know, I put up with the same feelings as you for 60 years. I used to not look at people’s eyes because I was self conscious and also because I knew it made them uncomfortable. I had to look slightly away from them or down below their eyes. I suppose some women thought I was looking at their chest, and that made me feel bad to think that is why I was not looking at their eyes. No one would mention it to me, but I knew because outside my family and my best friends, no one looked into my eyes. Sometimes I would see people looking back and snickering with the person they were with. I felt awful about it. More than a year later, I am still amazed at the difference in how I feel about myself and how others react to my new “look”. For the first time in virtually my entire life, I feel normal. My operated eye was very red the first week, and much better after 3 weeks. I think it took about 2 months before all the redness completely went away. Take all your eye drops until they are finished! I was determined to put my eyes to the test after 2 weeks by looking straight into other’s eyes and like you, they looked straight back and kept looking. I was so relieved and mentally distracted by this new feeling that the first couple of times I talked to someone eye to eye I did not remember what they said or what I said-whoops!

By Greta Weisman on Jan 4, 2010 | Reply

Yes! Don’t put it off, just bite the bullet and start doing your research. You’ll need someone who specializes in Adult Strabismus. I had a great experience at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. You can find their info. on the web. Mayoclinic.com simply call and ask who they would recommend in your area.

By olivia on Jan 6, 2010 | Reply

Hey Everyone. I am currently a Senior at my high school, and since last year something funky has been going on with my eyes. In my junior year I noticed my right eye had begun to drift upward, but didnt think anything of it…I sorta thought it would fix itself? but as the year progressed I noticed ppl looking at me funny, and even looking behind them while i was talking to them. =[ My confidence took a serious nose dive…. So fast ward, during the summer 2009 I begam to see double?! ??? And have noticed my left eye going inward. This year, senior year I have been having loads of trouble with this. I find myself squinting at people, and not talking at all…… =[ I can even look in the mirror anymore. I really would like to get surgery, soon possibly before I start college in the fall. Could someone who has had surgery please contact me, via email: llbabygirl4ever@aol.com I would appreciate It. Also does anyone have an idea why this would happen over the course of two years??

Lastly, I’m going to the DMV next month when i turn 18, and was wondering would my condition hender me from optaining a driver’s license?

Thanks for reading this, Have a nice day you guys

By george on Jan 7, 2010 | Reply

Olivia:

There are four muscles that control the positioning of each eye. Up and down, right and left. I think they can all be corrected in one or two procedures. You can read my recent posts and see what I went through until I had the surgery last year. I could not look at myself in the mirror either. My condition was my right eye going out 45 diopters and seeing double if I used both eyes. Others have posted their conditons, feelings, and experiences as well. My right eye turned suddenly when I was two when I had a high fever. It can happen that fast. Do not panic. Within one month of the surgery (if your surgeon is good) your eyes should be straight again and the redness of the surgery gone. Do not suffer as I did for 50 years. Insurance will usually authorize the procedure if your doctor tells them it is not just for cosmetic reasons. That should keep your cost down.

By honey on Jan 10, 2010 | Reply

George,

i have applied for 12 days leave from my work to have my operation done in February, my concern now will i be able to go back to work after 12 days without too much red eye ? i mean will the redness reduce within this period because i dont want to go to office with red eye since no one knows iam going for an operation…and second thing is im so scared of general anaesthesia and would really like to know if anyone had done this operation under local anaesthesia and how did it go ?

By lindsay on Jan 14, 2010 | Reply

im 15 years old i also had two brain tumors removed at a very young age. I also have strabismus, and nastagmus. There is really no vision in my right eye. my doctors have also said there is no cure. I’m not going to give up though because i also hear about other surgeries people have been having.

By Mo on Jan 21, 2010 | Reply

Hi,
Can these exercises be done by anyone with no harm?

Also, are there any other exercises that can be done. Do you know any websites/books etc.. that demonstrate these exercises and the likes?

Thanks

By Mo on Jan 21, 2010 | Reply

The exercises I am referring to are the ones mentioned by theo
”
follow this exercise to correct your left eye moving outward. early morning open both eyes wide, look upward as hard as you can for 30 seconds, then look down as hard as you can 30 seconds. second look straight both eyes as if your angry as hard as you can for 30 seconds. third move both eyes 360 degrees from left to right 30 seconds. do this am/pm for a week. you will feel and see the good results.
“.

By Mo on Jan 22, 2010 | Reply

Thanks Lois for your reply.

Unfortunatly we don’t seem to have any vision therpy doctors or clinics here in New Zealand.

How much do they charge per session in the states? Is it worth it going to the states to do a checkup?

Thanks
Mo

By Mo on Jan 22, 2010 | Reply

Oh it works now. Found a few places. Thanks a lot Lois. Much appreciated.

By george on Jan 24, 2010 | Reply

Honey:

I attended a trade show where I was in a booth about 2 weeks after the procedure. So I was also very concerned. In my case, about 12 days after the procedure, the redness was about 70% gone and I did not have a self conscious issue. Of course, everyone is different. But think about it. I bet you will feel much better with straight eyes and not worry so much if any redness remains. Also, I was also very afraid of general anesthesia because of losing control. But you know what, since that procedure 15 months ago, I have had three more general anesthesia procedures and I guess I am used to it. But I will say this: You are absolutely doing the right thing in getting a second opinion, and do not forget to get patient references. Once you have decided on your surgeon, ask him/her if they will be using an anesthesiologits they normally work with and how long they have used that person. (not a standby anesthesiologist, one who has done many strabismus procedures). Tell the anesthesiologist that you do not want the shivers as you wake up. They can compensate for that and nausia. Also ask them how long you will be out and how long the recovery will take. Once you have all these answers, you will feel much more comfortable if your surgeon recommends general anesthesia.

By honey on Jan 26, 2010 | Reply

thanks alot george…your answer was very detailed and helpful

By george on Jan 26, 2010 | Reply

Honey:
I do not remember if you said one eye was out or both. Even if just one eye is out (or in), your surgeon will probably recommend doing both at the same time for optimum balance. In my case, my right eye was out 45 and my left eye was straight, but I did not want the surgeon to cut the muscles in the good eye because it was my only good eye for vision. I did not want to take any chances with my good eye. So she held the good eye in place mechanically while she adjusted the muscles in my right eye. One other thought, if your surgeon strongly recommends general anesthesia, that is probably because she is used to working under these conditions with her anesthesioligist. If the surgeon is well experienced and successful in doing strabismus procedures and uses the same anesthesiologist,I recommend you do not change her routine by insisting on a local. With general, I think I left about 4 hours after I walked into the surgery front office door. Let me know if you have any other questions, and I hope others will share their experiences as well. Write down all your questions before you see the potential surgeon. Keep us posted.

By eric on Jan 28, 2010 | Reply

i have had strabismus for as long as i could remeber. and as i grew, i began to notice how people would stare at me or look over their shoulders as i talked to them..which led me to stop looking people straight in the eye…i developed a technique where i stood in an angle such that my good eye was visible. but still some people were able to notice it. at times am able to realign my eyes briefely..i get good vision when i do this bu my eye(right) drifts outwards after….but i have had to develop this technique so much that many people dont notice it, thats until they know me a little more better and notice i don’t look at them straight in the eye.
-i have grown tired and this and gave up on myself…i despised people who looked at me in the eye…my dating life is sketchy meaning i havent had that many dates…i dont have insurance but i know if i save up i may afford the surgery.

i talked to a doctor once and he straight out told me that there was nothing they could do “theres nothing that can be done, this is how u are wired, you should learn to accept this” i was really heart broken, but i didnt give up…i went to another eye doctor who refereed me to an eye surgeon..who am goin to see in 7 days…am just worried i wont have enough money for the procedure.

on average how much does it cost..thank you

By Andrea on Jan 29, 2010 | Reply

Dear all,

My name is Andrea, 33yrs lady from Singapore.I am gladed to come across this forum before my operation and have information on understanding Stabismus.

After seeking 2nd opinion. I decided to have my Bilateral Eye Squint Surgery (with adjustable suture on right eye). It was done on 25th Jan at a private hospital Day Surgery under GA.

There is not so much of pain after the surgery, but rather more of the bruises and soreness of the eyes. A friend helped me home after that.

The next day on 26th, went back to my specialist for eye cleansing and final procedure on tightening the suture on my left eye. The anaesthetic drops help to make it painless.

I am given 2 week hospitalization leave (stay home) and need to go back to my specialist for review next Tues.

Now my eyes can open abit, will need more time for the sore and bruises around the edges to fade away. And first time in my life I can see with both eyes look align. I am taking everything slowly step by step.

By Brian on Jan 30, 2010 | Reply

WOW what a great blog. Wish i had found this before my op. I had both of my eyes operated on about 37 years ago when i was 7 but over the years my right eye has drifted outwards. I spent most o my adult life feling very conscius of my eyes and never looking people in the face. I tried to get this sorted out however i was told that adults were not able to have this done due to the brain not being able to adjust to the new eye position??, i eventually found a good surgeon who would listen to me and he tried botox injections in my eye first(not that bad…honest)to temporarily straighten my eye to see if i would experiace double vision etc, This went well and he decided to do the op and make it permanent. SO I had My right eye done on the 18th Jan 2010 using adjustable sutures. The op was easy as it was under GA. The adjustments were made later the same day using lots of eyedrops to numb the eye. Not painful but a little uncomfortable. I’m 2 weeks on now and the redness is starting to go, as is the pain i was experiancing when turning my eyes to the extreme left. Got my post op appoinment for Tuesday so hopefully all will be ok. Its GREAT looking in the mirror and seing both eyes as they are supposed to be. If you are thinking of having this done GO FOR IT!
Brian

By george on Feb 1, 2010 | Reply

Brian:
Nice to hear of your good results. I was 62 when I had it done in Oct 08. In my case, I developed a lazy eye when I was two at the same time as my right eye went out after a high fever. Today, whenever I try to use both eyes, I still see double. In the sense of double vision, I was also told I probably would continue to have double vision, and I do. However, I was so self conscious of my appearance that it was worth to do the procedure. If you go back on this blog, I have numerous posts of my experience and feelings. You are never too old to have the strabismus surgery done for cosmetic reasons. Correcting double vision is another issue. They may be right about that.

By Brian on Feb 1, 2010 | Reply

George
You are right, you are never too old for this. I just wish that all the medical proffesionals had not kept telling me otherwise. I’ve developed a very low confidence in mysel over the years becase of this BUT Just in the 2 weeks i’ve had this done I look people in the eye and hold conversations with them with TOTAL self confidence ITS amazing how good i feel. As far as double vision is concerned Im very lucky, for a few days after the op i was getting flashes if moved my eyes to the extreme right(the right eye i had the op on) but it seems to have settled down. I do get the occasional flash of double if im tired and in the last week that has only been 1 or 2 times at most. My right eye has never been my strong eye, i see ok out of it when i close my good eye but i suppose the brain has always just ignored that eye and my left eye has been the dominant one, since the op it feels like the right eye wants to join in which feels a bit odd. After saying all this it does not effect my normal life in anyway, i can still read, I work in ICT with no prblems and drive my car, still cant play squash though Got my post op appointment tommorow so i will feedback the results tommor for anyone interested.
Brian

By honey on Feb 1, 2010 | Reply

Hi George,

i will follow your advice on general anaesthesia, im just worried of the nausia and vomiting afterwords…

my surgery is shceduled on 16th of this month, i will keep you posted when its done..and i hope i wont need any furhter surgeries in future as this is my third one

i have 2 concerns which you may help in
1st is after having three surgeries, the scars or flesh wont be very visible at the corner of my eyes since its oprated three times ?
2nd concern, will the results be more premenant after the third surgery ?

thanks for your support

By george on Feb 3, 2010 | Reply

Honey:
My surgery in 2008 was my second (first in 1956!). My surgeon told me she may have some issues with the old scarring, but after the procedure she said there was no problem. With your third, I do not know. I think in a much earlier blog by others they had three procedures who can tell you better about their experience with this question. As far as the anasthesia, nausia and the shivers when you wake up can be compensated for with the anesthesia given. Ask about this. Again, make sure the anesthesiologist has a lot of experience with this type of procedure with your surgeon.

By george on Feb 9, 2010 | Reply

Brian:

How did your post op go?

By Brian on Feb 10, 2010 | Reply

George

It went great thanks. Doc was very pleased with results especially as i have not experienced much double vision, so far this has only happened on about 3 occasions now and ALL late at night when im tired. My eye is a little sore still and a bit sticky, which the doc says is because of the stitches and its just a sort of mild reaction to them that will subside when they disolve away SO hopefully it wont be that long before they are gone.
Feeling Good at the moment, life long quest to get this done and here i am

Anyone need any help/Advice encouragement then feel free to give me a shout i will do my best to help. I do have a few photo’s of my eye from straight after the op and more recent ones to compare if anyone is interested.
Brian

By Arlene on Feb 15, 2010 | Reply

Your story is enlightening - thanks! One question - how long was it until you felt comfortable driving? My surgery is Friday - both eyes and a bit nervous. Please reply to my email jam81@prodigy.net
Thanks

By Ana on Feb 17, 2010 | Reply

What a great blog to stumble upon!

I am turning 30 this year and I feel like my condition is getting worse — my left eye turns outwards and I have high prescription in both eyes.

I’m feeling more self constious than ever.

I am just now researching my options for surgery, and I am very encouraged by what I have found so far, so thank you everyone above who have contributed information and recounts of personal experience.

I hope the poster above, Andrea from Singapore, still visits this forum. I would love some feedback on the surgeon/hospital that did her procedure.

By Billy on Feb 19, 2010 | Reply

It has been a while since I have visited due to no internet access. I am going in for my second surgery March 2nd. I am more nervous about this one than the first one. It really helps to read all the positive results others have experienced. Previously the Dr worked on the outer muscle to allow the muscle to pull in(it is turned out)and hopefully align. It did not and the next surgery will be on the inner muscle. I hope the results are better this time. My right eye did continue to move as much as 2 months after the surgery. It is a little over 1/3 closer to being straight. The redness took about 2 months to pass. I am taking 4 days off of work for this surgery. I hope all goes well.

By george on Feb 20, 2010 | Reply

Billy:
Nice to hear from you again. I remember your concerns from your last procedure. My understanding is that you need at least two muscles done in one eye at one time for acceptable results. Because your surgeon only did one muscle the last time, I am not surprised that he needs to do the other. I had my surgeon do the two outer muscles of my right eye done while she held the left eye in place. My right eye was out 45 diopter, which is about max. My surgeon said that she would do the max she thought the muscles could be adjusted, so she used no adjustable sutures.
Arlene:
I was able to drive to work two days after the surgery. You will need to wear the special sunglasses over your regular glasses because the bright light outside will hurt. Also, when you use your drops, do not look straight up into lights in the ceiling. Your eyes will be very red for one week, then the redness will be reduced by about 70% in two weeks, and be gone in about one month altogether. Make sure that you use all the drops religiously.

Ana:
I know as well as most everyone else with strabismus conditions about the self-consciousness. I was 62 when I finally had it done after procrastinating for years. I finally could not take it any more as I could not even look at myself in the mirror, so how could I expect others to look straight into my eyes? Make sure you get patient references from patiensts and that the anesthediologist is used to working with your surgeon on strabismus surgery. Hopefully, your surgeon has done many adult procedures. Children’s procedures are more common.

By Billy on Feb 20, 2010 | Reply

George-I am glad you are still here to provide hope and support for the visually conflicted. I have decided this will be my last surgery regardless of the outcome. I just don’t have it in me to go through it again.

By P.J on Feb 25, 2010 | Reply

Hi, I hope you dont mind me butting into your thread. Been looking at the net trying to find people who are going through this. I have very poor vision in my right eye (was born with this) therefore my brain does not use this eye resulting in an out-turned squint. I had sucsessful surgery when I was about 4 years old - this was for cosmetic purposes only, it worked but my eye still wandered a bit when I was tired.

About 7 or 8 years ago I noticed my eye was turning out all the time & was very noticable, I suffered in silence, never spoke to anyone about it & just avoided eye contact. I met my now husband just over 4 years ago & after about 4 months of us dating he just came out with “stop trying to hide your eye from me, I have noticed it & I am not bothered” this kind of opended the floodgates to talk about it. After alot of soul seraching I asked my GP for a referal to the hospital (I am from the U.K), I met a surgeon & underwent tests & measurements & he decided it was best to refer me to his colleague who specialises in the adjustable sutre technique. I met with him last week & he explained the operation to me, also that they will turn my eye in ever so slightly which should not be noticable & will give a better long term result. he also wanted to make sure he felt I could handle the adjustments while awake under local anesthetic, he thinks I will be anxious but fine !! I go for a pre op health check next week which means I am nearing the top of the waiting list for the operation. My emotions are a mixture of terror about the general anasthetic, the adjustment under local & feeling pain but on the other hand being really excited at the prospect of looking into someone’s eye’s when I speak to them & not having the whole can people see there is something wrong with my eye thing hanging over me evertime I meet someone new.

Its been comforting to read the good expereinces on here……I just hope it will be worth it - even a 30% improvement to my squint would make a huge difference my confidence.

By Brian on Feb 26, 2010 | Reply

Hi PJ
Im from the UK as well and all i can say is don’t worry, I had exactly the same procedure at the Sunderland Eye Infirmary and although I was terrified before hand the procedure was easy, The anesthitic was no problem and i suffered no sickness or any ill effects after it, even the adjustable part that they do when you are awake is no bother, they put lots of drops in and as everything is blurry you can’t see or feel anything exexpt a small tug when the adjust the suture, no worse that if you rub your eye so PLEASE dont be to worried. I can panic for the whole of England but at the end of the day it was a breeze and the results well worth it. Just being able to look someone in the eye is FANTASTIC. I wish you well please let us know how you get on.
Brian

By Billy on Feb 27, 2010 | Reply

All the plans are made for my second surgery. It will be at 5 A.M. On Tuesday. I am a little nervous and not sleeping well because of it. This time he started talking about prisms and possible double vision. That bothered me a lot. He didn’t talk about that before. I do not want to mess with prisms. I am really hoping my eye will remain suppressed and I can get back to my life. I only have 4 days off work to heal. I would have preferred a week, but it was not possible. Does anyone know the percentages of people that require prism lenses after surgery? I will feel a lot better when this is over.

By George on Feb 27, 2010 | Reply

Welcome, PJ

If you have read this blog, you know I had the strabismus procedure in Oct 08. I had general anesthesia, with non adjustable sutures. I was as afraid as anyone about general, losing control. The actual procedure is not too long, and they can accomodate for nausea and the chills in the medication. Just make sure your surgeon has done many procedures like yours before. He/she may be comfortable doing local instead of general. As long as he has the experience and you can contact some of his former patients for references, you should do fine. As I said a few weeks after my procedure, “OH what a feeling” to be able to look people direclty into their eyes. In my case, for the first time in nearly 60 years. Keep us posted.

Brian:
I am glad you could report having the same procedure as PJ with good results. We all need to share the support and encouragement.

Billy:
I commend for your decision to have another procedure done. I know it was a hard decision. I hope to hear from you by next weekend.

By P.J on Mar 1, 2010 | Reply

Thaks for your comments. It is re-assuring to know others have been through same, had the same fears & worries but its all been worth it.

As I say I have mixed feelings about going through with it, I just figure that for a few days (or knowing me weeks, lol) pre-op anxiety & a little discomfort afterwards the long term difference to the way I feel about myself could be huge (I am also one of lifes worriers, I panic about anything & everything Brian, my mum always says I would worry if I couldn’t find something to worry about, lol)

My pre-op assesment appointment is a week today so I am working on the assumption my operation should not be too long after that, hopefully it will be in March, the sooner the operation day comes the sooner its over

I will keep you informed on how I get on.

By Billy on Mar 2, 2010 | Reply

I am leaving in a few hors for the second surgery. I am nervous about this one. I will report the results as soon as I can. Wish me luck.

By George on Mar 4, 2010 | Reply

Billy:
I was very worried as well before I went in. I bet I could give PJ a battle for finding things to worry about, which is a family tradition for me. My mother had it, now my daughter has it. Between that and my surgeon saying she could not guarantee results, I was scared into procrastinating for years before going for the strabismus procedure. Now I have a different mental approach that seems to help. Whenever I either worry about something or feel sorry for myself, I think of it this way-our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan are taking much bigger chances than we are here. So this should not be a big deal. But now that I think of it, no matter what logic you use, if I were you, I would still worry about being caught in an elephant stampede. I guess going to Africa or India is out for my next vacation. Sorry for the levity, but sometimes we need a laugh. Seriously, I do wish you luck and look forward to your report.

By George on Mar 4, 2010 | Reply

Lois:
Sorry I could not reply positively to your request. I hope things are well with you. I will continue to do what I am doing as long as people respond and you are OK with it.

By George on Mar 4, 2010 | Reply

Honey:

Did you have the procedure done on the 16th? We would love to hear about your results if you want to share.

By honey on Mar 5, 2010 | Reply

Hi George,

Yes I did have the procedure done on the 19th (2 weeks back) and here is a summary of my experience:
1- I had a general anesthesia and it went smooth. I did not have any shivering or nausea.
2- The redness and swelling was more than I had expected because when the doctor was operating on my eye, he had to deal with the scar from my previously done 2 operation. This is what caused the swelling.
3- The swelling and redness have reduced by approx 50% so far and the doctor told me that it will take approx a month for them to fully disappear
4- The cosmetic result has not yet shown fully. Initially, my eye was drifting was outwards, so my procedure had to bring the pupil to extreme inwards. Right after the operation, the pupil of my eye was completely inwards but today (2 weeks after the surgery) it has improved by around 40-50% on the axis aspect of it’s location. It should go back to it’s normal centre position in around a month after the surgery (2 weeks from today).
5- I am currently still using 2 eye drops and will continue using them for the next 2 weeks.

I will keep you updated with the progress of my eye and would like to know if anyone else had to wait a month long before the results showed (eye position back to centre)

Thanks for your support and concern

By Kes on Mar 5, 2010 | Reply

Lois, I hope the op went well and you are recovering. You’ve been through some tough times. Wishing you all the best, and hope to see you at the EyesApart Yahoo forum again soon.
Kes

By Jo on Mar 5, 2010 | Reply

Hello,

I have a 15 month old son with strabismus and nystagmus - both eyes turn inwards, outwards, upwards and downwards randomly - sometimes they are aligned but not for long! His vision is actually really good but I was just wondering when everyone thinks he should have surgery? My opinion is as soon as possible but I’m worried it’ll be hard to fix……I had surgery back in the 70’s on a lazy eye - totally successful - but looking back it seemed simple to fix compared to my son’s problem. We’ve got an appt. soon at Bristol Eye Hospital (UK) so I wondered if anyone knew what I should do/say next?
Thank you!

By George on Mar 5, 2010 | Reply

Andrea from Singapore:
It has been about 5 weeks since your strabismus procedure on January 25. Are you pleased with your results? Your eye redness and swelling should be almost gone by now and your eyes should be settling in their position.

By Billy on Mar 7, 2010 | Reply

It has been 5 days since my surgery. My eyes are SO sore. The light sensitivity is much worse this time due to scar tissue from a previous surgery. The surgeon overcorrected my right eye because he said it will settle into the right place. It is much better this time. This is the straightest I can remember my eyes being. I am using my eye drops religiously and it is slowly improving. My right eye is still suppressed and causes severe double vision when I force it to work. I am wondering if vision therapy will help this and if I should even bother. I go back next week for the follow up.

By honey on Mar 8, 2010 | Reply

Billy,

how lond will it take for your right eye to settle in right postion ?

it has been 2 weeks now since my surgery on my overcorrected left eye and still its not yet completly in right postion but its improving slightly day after day

By George on Mar 8, 2010 | Reply

Billy:
In my case, I always suppressed my right eye vision because of double vision for 60 years. After my first procedure in 1956, when I was 11, I was told to doe eye exercises, but did not because we came to the US and we could not afford it. So I continued to suppress my right eye vision so as to not see double. With the 2008 procedure, I had suppressed my right eye for so long that I never expected that to change. While my eyes look straight, they are not clinically perfectly straight. It is a matter of personal preference. I had the procedure done for cosmetic reasons, so as long as they look straight, I am happy and I will continue to suppress my right eye to not see double. Insofar as your eyes being very sensitive to light, I had to wear the special sunglasses for a week and could not look into the ceiling lights when I used my drops. I could not tell how straight they were for sure because of the redness and swelling until at least a week later, but I could tell they were much better than before. I thought my right eye was overcorrected the first few days after the surgery, but either they settled somewhat, or my eyes cleared up so I could see them better. In any case, I am glad they appear much better to you. You should know within one month for sure where they are going to be.

By George on Mar 8, 2010 | Reply

Honey:
Everyone is different and heals differently. I have read the operated eye may take up to 3 months to settle. In my case, my right eye appeared to be overcorrected at first, it either settled in or my eyes cleared up enough so I could tell within 2 weeks and have not changed any more that I can tell for the last 15 months. While your eye may be overcorrected, how does it now compare to in terms of deviation from before?

By Jo on Mar 8, 2010 | Reply

Well thanks for the wonderful help - good luck to you all in the future, I’ll find advice elsewhere………

jo

By honey on Mar 9, 2010 | Reply

George,

today my eye looks muc better but still looks overcorrected but day after day its going more to the center

before the surgery it was drifting outwards but not that much unless im tired or stressed if this is your question but now its not yet shown the final results…i hope it will look better within the next coming 10 days because iam not so happy with the results as what i feel is instead of having an eye that is drifting outwards , now m having an eye that is drifting inwards ! im trying to emain optimistic as the doctor said he is happy with the results but we have to give it some time as time is the best healer…i’ll keep my fingers crossed

By Andrea on Mar 9, 2010 | Reply

Dear all,
Thanks so much for the concern.

I had bilateral squint operation for both eyes with adjustable suture. It’s been 6 weeks, the redness and soreness had gone. My left eye healed much faster than my right eye. I am still putting eyes drops, my eyes feel dry easily in office (aircon)

I had a follow-up with my eye specialist last Wednesday. Was told that everything looks fine, only thing is that he need to take out the suture by April (next appointment). Hmm.. maybe the suture unable to dissolve completely?

The initial first few weeks after the operation, my brain could not get used of seeing things with both eyes together, and thus I felt confused and experienced giddiness in public. So I told myself that I have to exercise my vision slowly by taking a short walk to nearby park, sit down awhile and walked back. And stepping out of the house, try to look around at the surrounding.

Felt it is better if you can have someone to support or accompany you doing the walk. It can be very dangerous if you wonder further outside, especially when our steps are not so stable at the beginning.

For myself, I am practising using more of my right eye (weaker one) to see. So as to make it feel more confident, then slowly I use both eyes to see together. This process is not easy and I am very determine to do my best.

Everyone condition are different, same goes for the recovery and result.

George,
Thanks on asking about me
My eyes start to settle down. I hope the suture be removed by next follow-up in april as it still hinder abit on the movement of my right eye. So far they look align, even though not 100% perfect but I am very happy.

Brian,
If you still reading this forum, hope you had recovered.

Ana,
I am seeing Dr Cheah W.M from Mount Elizabeth Hospital. Sorry that I can’t comment much on him, personally feel that he is very patient and provide information relates to my condition and surgery. If you are planning to go for a surgery, I sincerely wish you the best

Billy,
The soreness will go away in weeks, most important is that you are recovering.

Honey,
It took me almost a month for my eyes to start settling down, don’t worry ok.

By Brian on Mar 9, 2010 | Reply

Andrea
Yes im still here
My eyes doing well though its started to go a bit red again after having just about gone completely back to normal, however im feeling the stitches at the moment so i suspect that maybe they are starting to disolve and causing this minor discomfort. My consultant had overcorrected my eye inwards so that it would drift to the correct position BUT i think its drifting a bit too far back again, friends tell me its not but when i look in the Mirror it looks as if it is to me, maybe im just a little worrying in case its failed at the moment, its only been about 8 weeks so still early days im told. Ive got my follow up appoinment in a few weeks so if it has drifted to far i will know for certain then.
its good to hear from so many people with the same problem, ive felt a bit alone over the years dealing with this problem.
Thanks all for the kind words and advice.
Brian

By honey on Mar 9, 2010 | Reply

Andrea,

thanks for your feedback, you raised up my spirit as i was realy worried of having a new problem instead of solving my old problem..

i wish you speedy progress in using your both eyes together..unforunatly i wont be able to do that as i have very lasy left eye that i can realy use it so my operration was just for cosmetic reason..