Strabismus, commonly known as eye misalignment, occurs when the eyes do not work together to focus on an object. This condition affects people of all ages and can lead to double vision, difficulty with depth perception, and eye strain.

For adults with persistent misalignment, strabismus surgery is a highly effective solution. Also referred to as lazy eye surgery, this procedure corrects the position of the eye muscles, restoring alignment and improving vision. Many patients find that surgery not only enhances eyesight but also boosts confidence in social and professional settings.

What Causes Adult Strabismus?

Several factors can contribute to adult strabismus, including:

• Recurring childhood strabismus – A previously treated or untreated condition returning in adulthood.
• Neurological conditions – Stroke, multiple sclerosis, or brain injuries affecting eye muscle control.
• Thyroid eye disease – A disorder that impacts eye muscles and causes misalignment.
• Diabetes-related nerve damage – High blood sugar levels affecting the nerves controlling eye movement.
• Eye trauma or surgery – Damage to eye muscles due to accidents or previous procedures.
• Brain tumors or vascular disorders – Conditions that interfere with proper eye coordination.

If you experience symptoms of lazy eye or double vision, consulting an eye specialist is crucial to determine the best treatment options, including strabismus surgery.

Symptoms of Strabismus in Adults

Common symptoms include:

• Double Vision (Diplopia): Seeing two images instead of one.
• Eye Strain & Fatigue: Difficulty focusing, especially when reading or using screens.
• Depth Perception Issues: Difficulty judging distances, making driving and walking challenging.
• Head Tilting or Turning: Compensating for misalignment by adjusting head position.
• Visual Confusion: Trouble merging images from both eyes into one clear picture.

If left untreated, strabismus can worsen over time, making everyday tasks more challenging. Fortunately, lazy eye surgery provides a long-term solution.

How Is Strabismus Diagnosed?

A comprehensive eye exam is essential to determine the severity of eye misalignment and identify the best treatment plan. At SightMD, our specialists use advanced diagnostic techniques such as:

• Visual acuity tests – To assess overall vision quality.
• Ocular motility evaluation – To analyze eye muscle function.
• Prism testing – To measure the degree of misalignment.
• Neurological assessments – To detect underlying conditions.

Early diagnosis is key to finding the right treatment, whether through strabismus surgery, lazy eye surgery, or non-surgical options.

Strabismus Surgery & Lazy Eye Surgery: Treatment Options

There are several effective treatments for Adult Strabismus Treatment, depending on severity and underlying cause:

• Eye Muscle Surgery: For moderate to severe cases, eye muscle surgery is the most effective solution.
• Botox for Strabismus: Botox injections relax overactive eye muscles, temporarily improving alignment. The effects last about 3–4 months, and repeat treatments may be needed.
• Prism Glasses: These special lenses correct mild misalignment and reduce double vision by adjusting how light enters the eyes.
• Vision Therapy: Structured eye exercises, known as orthoptic therapy, strengthen the eye muscles and improve coordination, especially for mild lazy eye cases.
• Patching & Corrective Lenses: May be used for milder cases of Lazy Eye Surgery treatment.

At SightMD, our experienced eye surgeons specialize in strabismus surgery and lazy eye surgery, offering customized solutions for every patient.

Is Strabismus Surgery Covered by Insurance?

n most cases, Strabismus Surgery is covered by insurance if deemed medically necessary. Insurance providers typically approve coverage for procedures aimed at improving vision, relieving double vision, or correcting eye misalignment that affects daily activities. However, purely cosmetic corrections may not be covered. At SightMD, our team will help you navigate insurance benefits and financing options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

Q: What is strabismus?
Strabismus is a condition where the eyes do not align properly, leading to double vision, depth perception issues, and eye strain.

Q: What causes lazy eye?
Lazy eye, or amblyopia, occurs when one eye has weaker vision due to improper development during childhood. It can be caused by strabismus, uncorrected refractive errors, or conditions like cataracts.

Q: How to fix lazy eye in adults?
Treatment options include vision therapy, prism glasses, Botox injections, and Lazy Eye Surgery for more severe cases.

Q: Is strabismus surgery painful?
Strabismus surgery is performed under anesthesia, so there is no pain during the procedure. Some discomfort and redness may occur post-surgery, but these symptoms typically resolve within a few weeks.

Q: How long is the recovery from strabismus surgery?
Most patients resume normal activities within a few days, though full healing may take a few weeks.

Schedule a Consultation for Strabismus Surgery at SightMD

If you or a loved one struggles with eye misalignment, double vision, or lazy eye, our team at SightMD is here to help. Book a consultation today to explore your treatment options, including strabismus surgery and lazy eye surgery.

Take the first step toward better eye alignment and vision today. Schedule Your Appointment Now!