Strabismus Repair
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
What you need to know about strabismus repair:
Strabismus repair is surgery to loosen, tighten, or move your eye muscles to help your eyes work together.
How to prepare for strabismus repair:
Your healthcare provider will talk to you about how to prepare for surgery. You may be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your surgery. Your provider will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of your surgery. You may need to stop taking blood thinners, such as aspirin and ibuprofen. You will need someone to drive you home after surgery.
What will happen during strabismus repair:
You may be given general anesthesia to keep you asleep and free from pain during surgery. You may instead be given local anesthesia to numb the surgery area. With local anesthesia, you may still feel pressure or pushing during surgery, but you should not feel any pain. Your healthcare provider will make a small incision in the tissue that covers your eye. The eye muscle will be detached and loosened, tightened, or moved. Your provider will reattach your eye muscle with absorbable stitches. Surgery may also need to be done on your other eye.
What will happen after strabismus repair:
Your eyes may be sore for a few days after surgery. You may have double vision for up to 1 week after surgery. Your eyes may be red for up to 2 weeks after surgery. You may need to wear eyeglasses after the surgery.
Risks of strabismus repair:
You may get an infection or bleed more than expected. Parts of your eye may be injured during surgery. You may have decreased vision after your surgery. Your retina may separate from the back of your eye. You may need more than one surgery to align your eyes.
Seek care immediately if:
- You suddenly lose your vision.
- You have severe eye pain.
- Your eye is bleeding, swollen or draining pus.
Contact your healthcare provider if:
- Your symptoms return after treatment.
- You develop new symptoms.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions. Do not give these medicines to children younger than 6 months without direction from a healthcare provider.
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Activity:
- You may drive 2 days after your surgery. You may return to work 1 week after surgery. Children may return to daily activities, such as school, 2 days after the surgery.
- Do not swim for 2 weeks after surgery.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
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