Strabismus surgery

Strabismus surgery is a procedure to correct eyes that are misaligned, a condition called strabismus. It occurs when the eye muscles aren’t balanced, which can cause one or both eyes to wander. Also referred to as crossed eyes, this disorder may lead to double vision or problems with depth perception. Although it often occurs in children, adults can also have strabismus.

Penn Medicine ophthalmology providers have extensive experience diagnosing and treating crossed eyes and other conditions that affect the eye muscles. We offer specialized testing and use the latest surgical advancements to treat adults and children with this eye condition, helping you live with more confidence and better vision.

You might benefit from this surgery if one or both of your eyes turn inward, outward, upward, or downward, and other strabismus treatments haven’t helped. Strabismus eye surgery can better position a misaligned eye by tightening or loosening the muscles around it. This allows your eyes to line up and move together to focus on the same objects and improve blurry vision. Surgery can also help you avoid a complication of strabismus called lazy eye (amblyopia), which occurs when the weakened eye loses vision over time.

Your doctor will let you know how to prepare for eye muscle surgery, including when to stop eating and drinking before your appointment. During your procedure:

• You’ll be given general anesthesia that will put you to sleep for the procedure.
• Your surgical team will use an instrument to keep your eye open.
• The surgeon will make an incision in the outer layer of your eye.
• Your eye muscles will be tightened or loosened to allow your eyes to align.
• The incision will be closed with stitches that will dissolve, and the instrument holding open your eye will be removed.
• You’ll be given eye drops or eye ointment.

A strabismus operation is an outpatient procedure, so you’ll go home the same day. You may be prescribed medications to take once you’re home, and your eye may be red and sore for a few weeks. Your doctor will let you know when it’s OK to return to your usual activities. Don’t hesitate to contact your doctor if you have any concerns about your recovery.

You can trust Penn Medicine to provide safe, effective strabismus eye surgery, whether you’re an adult with the condition or a parent seeking solutions for your child’s crossed eyes. Our ophthalmologists’ high level of expertise is backed by our research in strabismus, giving our specialists access to the latest information and treatments to provide you with the highest quality of care. We also tailor your eye care to your specific needs and provide ongoing support, from surgery through recovery and follow-up appointments. Throughout your care journey, we connect you with experts devoted to providing treatments that realign your eyes and improve your vision.