Strabismus Treatment Abroad
Overview
If a patient has strabismus, one eye looks straight at the object, while the other eye is either misaligned inward thus, making one “cross-eyed” (esotropia), misaligned outward hence "wall-eyed"(exotropia), misaligned downward (hypotropia) and upward (hypertropia).
What Causes Strabismus?
Signs & Symptoms of Strabismus
How is Strabismus Diagnosed?
Strabismus Treatment Options
Nonsurgical Treatment is indicated for small-angle or intermittent strabismus to improve eye alignment thru vision therapy.
Vision Therapy or visual training is a nonsurgical, doctor-supervised, customized program composed of visual activities designed to improve visual skills and correct vision problems. It is akin to “physical therapy” but of the eyes and brain that regulate vision.
The goal of vision therapy is to correct vision conditions that cannot be treated effectively with surgery, eyeglasses and contact lenses. Overall, vision therapy aims to achieve comfortable and clear binocular vision with the use of prisms, filters, lenses, and computerized visual activities. It is a therapeutic process that engages the expertise of the prescribing doctor, the vision therapist, the parents (if the patient is a child) and the patient herself.
- Strabismus Surgery Involving Recession and Resection Procedures
- Adjustable Suture Strabismus Surgery
Strabismus surgery aims to efficiently align the eyes of adult patients who have long-standing strabismus. A successful strabismus surgery depends on the magnitude and direction of how the eyes turn. There are some cases wherein a second or third surgery may be necessary.
In some adults who underwent surgery, there is a significant degree of amblyopia (dim vision without obvious effect on the eye) that may remain after the affected eye is aligned thru surgery. Therefore, it is advised that the earlier surgical intervention is performed, the more likely the eyes will develop normal visual acuity.
Strabismus Surgery Involving Recession and Resection Procedures
When a recession procedure is performed, the eye surgeon detaches the affected extraocular muscle (outside muscle) from the eye and performs resection (reattachment) farther on the eye to weaken the strong muscle.
Alternatively, a resection procedure is necessary if you have esotropia (inwardly-turned eyes). The surgeon strengthens the muscles located on the side of each eye (lateral rectus muscles) by reattaching the muscle in a different location, hence resection.
Adjustable Suture Strabismus Surgery
With adjustable suture surgery, the surgeon performs suture adjustment (the sutures the previously held your eye muscles in place after a resection), in an attempt to improve eye muscle alignment. This type of surgery is only indicated for adults, perfect for someone who developed strabismus in adulthood after a previous normal eye alignment.
How Much Does Strabismus Surgery Cost?
Surgery for strabismus is usually covered by insurance, as it is not a cosmetic procedure. In the US, Strabismus treatment involves use of eyeglasses, vision therapy and may involve surgery. It may cost less than $1,000 for eyeglasses and up to $2,000 for vision therapy. Strabismus surgery in adults may cost $5,000-$15,000 per case. However, it can cost about $5,500, excluding the doctor’s fee. If the patient had previous surgery and developed scarring, the clinic may charge an extra $5,000 extra for a new total of more than $10,500.
In the UK, it can cost you $3,050 whereas in Poland, surgery may cost $3,873. Meanwhile in Mexico, it can cost $2,700 which already includes the procedure, exams and medical fees, as well as airport pick up and drop off.
Who Performs Strabismus Treatments?
For Optometric Vision Therapy
In the US, vision therapy is monitored and prescribed by an optometrist. Hence, it is also called optometric vision therapy. Optometrists who specialize specialize in children's vision development may call themselves developmental optometrists, pediatric optometrists, or behavioral optometrists.
For Strabismus Surgery
If you or your child have strabismus, your family doctor or eye doctor can refer you to an ophthalmologist (eye specialist) who is an expert in performing strabismus surgery.
If you want to know more, you can always contact us and ask for more info.
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