What does strabismus surgery involve?
Eye muscles are located on the white of the eye (sclera). To straighten the eye, the muscles are disinserted and repositioned to a new location on the eye. This is generally performed under general anaesthetic.
Is Strabismus surgery painful?
There is some discomfort, but paracetamol will relieve this. Pain requiring stronger pain killers is unusual.
What can I do/not do after surgery?
You can drive within a few days unless directed not to by Ms McCreery. Heavy physical activity contact sports and swimming are to be avoided for four weeks.
When can I go back to work/school?
It is advisable to stay out of work and/or school for one week after surgery. Some people may be able to return to work after three days if their work is sedentary.
How soon can I fly after surgery?
You can fly one week after surgery.
Is there any age limit for strabismus surgery?
No, we operate on infants to the very elderly.
How successful is strabismus surgery?
85% of patients have excellent results. However, 15-25% of patients will require a second operation during their lifetime. This is because everyone heals differently and the control of eye position is in the brain and not in the eye muscles themselves. In congenital strabismus most patients need 2-3 operations over their lifetime
Can strabismus surgery be repeated?
Yes, the eye muscles can be repositioned many times.
Is the surgery safe?
Yes. This is a very common operation and serious side effects are highly unusual. Intraocular infection occurs in 1:185,000 cases and will often respond to treatment. Double vision can occur but in the vast majority is temporary. The postoperative adjustment procedure in adult patients greatly reduces this risk. Long term double vision occurs in 1% of cases.
What does post-operative adjustment mean?
In adult patients, at the end of the primary surgery the muscle is temporarily secured. A few hours later, while the patient is awake following their recovery from anaesthetic, the position of the muscle is adjusted to fine tune the eye position. This allows the eye to be positioned as straight as possible.
I had my squint eye operation done by Dr Kathryn Mc Creery. I cannot thank her and her staff enough for their wonderful help in getting me my operation done successfully and professionally. Her staff were unbelievably friendly and made the experience so much better. Plus Dr. McCreery who rectified the turn in my eye gave me my confidence back. The experience was a very positive one, from start to finish they helped me. Thank you so much.
Roslyn Gallagher
I recently had strabismus surgery with Kathryn McCreery and I'm absolutely delighted with the results. The surgery was done in the one day with no pain afterwards, only mild discomfort. My depth perception returned very quickly and the difference is unbelievable both cosmetically and comfort wise. Everyone was very friendly and professional from initial consultation to the surgery and after care. They took their time explaining everything to me and really looked after me. I had my consultation in March and surgery a few weeks later. I still can't believe the results and I'm delighted. Thanks to all in the Blackrock Eye Care. I can't recommend them enough
Mark Grenham
Our son Jack (15 months) had a turn in his eye and from the very first appointment with Ms McCreery, we had full confidence in her and of the quality of the treatment Jack would receive. We have had this confidence reinforced at every appointment. Ms McCreery is an absolute expert in working with children and diagnosed immediately the issue and identified a course of action for Jack which involved a surgical procedure. As parents, this was a daunting experience however Ms MCreery’s whole surgical and nursing team were incredible in their attention and thoughtfulness for us and this made all the difference to our experience. The surgery has been a huge success and we are delighted with the outcome. I cannot express enough my gratitude to Ms McCreery and her team and we would highly recommend her to any parent.
Sean Flynn
