Strabismus Surgery

What is strabismus surgery?

Strabismus surgery is a procedure that improves eye alignment by adjusting the eye muscles that control eye movement. In adults, strabismus surgery can relieve double vision, reduce eye strain, improve binocular vision, and provide a more natural, comfortable appearance.

Strabismus surgery is performed on the eye muscles only—the eyeball itself is never removed. Dr. Dao uses meticulous, precise techniques to restore proper alignment based on each patient’s individual pattern of misalignment.

Strabismus Surgery Q & A

Who is a good candidate for strabismus surgery?

You may benefit from strabismus surgery if you experience:

• Persistent eye misalignment
  
• Double vision that does not improve with prism glasses
  
• Eye strain or fatigue
  
• Loss of depth perception
  
• Difficulty reading or focusing
  
• A head tilt to compensate for misalignment
  
• A desire to improve eye alignment for visual or cosmetic reasons
  

Adults of any age can be candidates for surgery, including those who had childhood strabismus or developed misalignment later in life.

How does strabismus surgery work?

Strabismus surgery involves tightening, loosening, or repositioning one or more of the eye muscles to help the eyes work together again.

What to expect during surgery

• Surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, though some cases may use monitored anesthesia care (MAC)
  
• Dr. Dao makes a small incision on the surface of the eye to access the muscle
  
• The selected muscle is repositioned or adjusted to correct the misalignment
  
• The incision is closed with dissolvable sutures—no stitches need to be removed later
  
• Patients go home the same day
  

Recovery and healing

After surgery, the eyes may feel sore, irritated, or appear red for several days to a few weeks. Most patients return to their normal activities within 1 week.

Dr. Dao provides detailed postoperative instructions, which commonly include:

• Using prescribed eye drops
  
• Avoiding rubbing the eyes
  
• Limiting strenuous activity for a short period
  
• Attending follow-up visits to monitor alignment
  

Many adults notice significant improvement in alignment within the first week, with continued refinement as healing progresses.

Will I still need glasses or prisms after surgery?

Strabismus surgery improves alignment but does not change your need for vision correction. Some adults may still benefit from glasses or prisms after surgery, depending on their visual needs before the procedure. Others are able to reduce or eliminate their prism prescription.

Dr. Dao evaluates this individually during your pre- and postoperative visits.

What are the benefits of strabismus surgery for adults?

Strabismus surgery can offer meaningful improvements, including:

• Reduced or eliminated double vision
  
• Better depth perception
  
• Improved ability to read and focus
  
• Relief from eye strain and fatigue
  
• A more natural, symmetric eye appearance
  
• Enhanced confidence in social and professional settings
  

Many adults report life-changing improvements in both function and comfort.

What are the risks associated with strabismus surgery?

All surgeries carry some risks, though complications from strabismus surgery are uncommon. Potential risks include:

• Overcorrection or undercorrection
  
• Persistent double vision
  
• Infection
  
• Scarring
  
• Need for additional surgery in some cases
  

Dr. Dao thoroughly reviews these risks and answers questions during your preoperative consultation.

Schedule Your Consultation

If strabismus affects your daily life, comfort, or confidence, strabismus surgery may be an effective solution. Dr. Lori Dao offers expert surgical care for adults with misaligned eyes and double vision at the Adult Strabismus Institute.

Call the office or book your appointment online today.