Strabismus defines as a condition where eyesight does not align due to a physical problem with eye muscles. Also called crossed eyes when viewing an object, the eyes do not look at the same spot at the same moment. This sends two different visual signals to the brain. A person may see double or have poor depth perception. If left untreated over time the brain will choose to ignore one of the visual images to process the information more efficiently. Six muscles help the eye move in its many directions. The brain normally coordinates both eyes to move together to look at the same spot.
Classified by the Turn of the Eye
Whatever direction an eye moves ophthalmologists have a term for that movement known as turning. If one of the eyes has an inward turned its labeled esotropia. Outwards turning of the eye labels as exotropia. Eyes can have an upward turning called hypertropia or downward turning termed hypotropia. Most strabismus appears in childhood. Treatment at that stage involves using vision therapy, prescribing eyeglasses using prisms. Either a weak eye muscle, problems with nerve transmission or brain processing can cause the issue. A genetic component exists in families as well where cross eyed happens each generation. As people age, the added natural occurrence of blurring vision means they seek out LASIK or PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) to help correct vision.
LASIK and Strabismus
Can a person with strabismus have a LASIK procedure done on their eyes? It depends. First, a person must have a high-quality clinic like Houston Lasik with extremely knowledgeable ophthalmologists. The treatment plan must become highly individualized to have a good chance at success. The degree of strabismus makes a difference. The precision of laser eye surgery makes it possible in Houston. The ability of the doctors to discern what the LASIK procedure can or cannot accomplish in addition to any other treatment for the condition.
Studies
Ophthalmologists worldwide have begun to explore the possibilities of LASIK or PKR surgery for strabismus patients in all its forms and levels. Small groups of patients undergo refractive surgery as a trial to gather data. A British journal reported data on patients with esotropia and several other conditions. It stated the refractive error improved in all patients after one treatment. No one lost any of the lines of visual acuity. As far as ocular alignment few changes occurred. In the American Journal of Ophthalmology March 2018, an accommodative esotropia treatment plan doing strabismus surgery and PKR surgery on 15 patients resulted in 6 months patients being spectacle-free. A 5 year follow up study in the Journal of Refractive Surgery showed LASIK and PRK di offer a long-term reduction of accommodative esotropia.
Conclusion
Carefully chosen and managed strabismus patients in the studies had good outcomes and better eyesight than before the studies for long terms. Global studies with small groups have been going on for nearly 20 years on patients with more than the usual eye issues. Houston LASIK counsels and consults with every patient. Check and see what options can be made available to you.
Houston Lasik leads in providing premium LASIK technologies to Houston, Sugar Land, and the surrounding region. The center’s award-winning medical director introduced revolutionary technologies such as iLASIK to the region. This technology is used by NASA astronauts, Navy SEALS, and Air Force fighter pilots. At Houston Lasik, you can now receive the same treatment. For more information, please call (281) 240-0478.
Information Via
https://www.aao.org/disease-review/strabismus-accommodative-esotropia
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1857509/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002939418300084
https://www.healio.com/ophthalmology/journals/jrs/2014-2-30-2/%7B99a5c53c-253d-4641-8465-0058461cc818%7D/refractive-surgery-for-accommodative-esotropia-5-year-follow-up
