Looking for Advice on Strabismis Eye Surgery Recovery.

Hi P.,

No worries! Both myself and my daughter have had this surgery. Mine was MANY years ago, they waited too long (I was 6 when I finally had it) and as a result I have Amblyopia. So you did the right thing!

After my daughter's first surgery (she was 2 also) her eyes had to take time to adjust. They grew stronger every day. However, and I'm sure the doctor has explained this might happen, she did have to have another surgery (around 8 or 9) because the first one wasn't exact. That's common.

She's 14 now and wears glasses, but only because she has astigmatism, not because of the strabismis. Her eye still does turn just a teeny bit and has to do eye exercises to learn how to control it.

I hope my tale helped relieve some worry. If you still have concerns, talk to your doctor. Also, feel free to email me with any more questions.

~C.

I had the surgery many many years ago and have never had a problem since. If I'm VERY tired or stare at something for an extended period of time, I can feel one eye cross, however, that is rare. My son (2 yrs) wears glasses and has the same issue but is also extremely farsighted. His doc doen't want to do surgery yet. Although I'm contemplating seeing another for a second opinion. As for me.....glad my parents did it!

My daughter had surgery for alternating exotropia when she was 3; both eyes went outward. She went back to the office frequently after the surgery to check her progress. They gave us eye stregtheners to do at home which helped. She also had developmental delays, and was in the pre-school handicapped program for two years for speech and other delays. Try to have your child evaluated by the state as soon as possible, as at this point they can send someone right to your home for lessons (if he is found developmentally delayed). After that we ended up holding her back a year as she was still not as mature as other children her age. She is 13 years old now, and going intot he 7th grade. Her grades are outstanding. She is one of the most mature, responsible girls in her class. She had many problems when she was younger, but now has almost none of those problems. And by the way, her eyes look great, and she goes back to the eye doctor once every couple of years!

Good luck with your son; I hope it all works out for you.

P.,

My daughter, now 39 and a first time mom of a fabulous 3 month old boy, had this surgery when she was not quite 3 years old. After the surgery she had eye therapy at NY EYE AND EAR Hospital for a few months. We did the exercises at home daily for a very long time. She has never had a problem with her vision. I suggest you ask the surgeon for a referral to an eye therapist.
I have strabismis, it was not corrected, it has not affected my vision but when I am tired my eye does wander. My mom has a similar problem, she is 96! and only wears glasses for distance.
hope this is helpful
M.