Strabismus - Eye/Lasik Care

Strabismus Treatment Abroad

Overview

trabismus or heteropia is a vision condition in which an individual cannot align both eyes at the same time under normal conditions. Due to the lack of coordination between the extraocular muscles of the eyes, it hampers proper binocular vision and depth perception.

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?

• problem in the eye muscles
• problem in the nerves or vision centers of the brain that regulate binocular vision
• genetics – if you or your spouse has strabismus, there is a greater chance of your children having the condition as well.

Signs & Symptoms of Strabismus

• misalignment of the eyes
• double or unstable vision
• eye strain
• fatigue and inability to read comfortably
• headaches

How is Strabismus Diagnosed?

• Routine eye exam
• Cover Testing – determines the amount and presence of ocular deviation
• Hirschberg Test – or the corneal reflex test, is a screening exam that assesses whether a patient has ocular misalignment.

Strabismus Treatment Options

• Non-Surgical Strabismus Treatment – Vision Therapy

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 

- 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.