Strabismus Surgery
Also known as Eye Muscle Surgery, Crossed Eye Surgery, Eye Alignment Surgery, Adjustable Suture Strabismus Surgery
Bottom Line
Strabismus surgery moves eye muscles to improve alignment. It can help children with crossed eyes and adults with double vision or eye strain.
Strabismus surgery changes the position or tension of the small muscles that move the eyes. The goal is to help both eyes point closer to the same place.
Children may need surgery when glasses, patching, or other care cannot control the eye turn. Some children with developmental delay also benefit from surgery 1.
Adults may have surgery for double vision, eye strain, or a long-standing eye turn. Strabismus can affect quality of life in adults with or without double vision 2.
How It Works
Each eye has six muscles that move it. Surgery changes where a muscle pulls or how strongly it pulls.
A recession weakens a muscle by moving it back. A resection tightens or shortens a muscle.
Some adult surgeries use adjustable sutures. The surgeon can fine-tune alignment soon after surgery 3.
Who It Helps
Surgery may help children or adults when the eye turn is large, frequent, or symptomatic.
- Children. Surgery can improve alignment and help binocular development.
- Adults with double vision. Better alignment can reduce double vision.
- Adults with childhood strabismus. Surgery can improve comfort and eye contact.
New sudden double vision in an adult needs medical evaluation before elective surgery.
Risks And Follow-Up
Risks include undercorrection, overcorrection, double vision, infection, scarring, and need for another surgery.
Serious vision-threatening problems are rare. Alignment changes over time are more common.
Follow-up matters because glasses, prism, or more treatment may still be needed.
Cost And Insurance
Medical insurance often covers strabismus surgery when it treats function, double vision, or a significant eye turn.
Costs may include surgeon, facility, anesthesia, and pre-op measurement visits.
Ask whether adjustable sutures, prism glasses, or repeat measurements have separate fees.
Common Questions About Strabismus Surgery
Next Steps
- 1Schedule a full eye alignment exam with measurements.
- 2Bring old glasses, prism prescriptions, and surgery records if you have them.
- 3Ask whether non-surgical options should be tried first.
- 4Plan school or work downtime for the first week.
- 5Call the surgeon for severe pain, pus-like discharge, fever, or sudden vision loss.
Find specialists for Strabismus Surgery
Board-certified ophthalmologists who treat Strabismus Surgery.
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