Strabismus surgery
Strabismus is a condition in which the eyes are not aligned in the same direction - one eye looks straight ahead while the other turns inward, outward, upward, or downward. Although many consider it primarily a cosmetic issue, strabismus has serious functional consequences: the brain, receiving two misaligned images, begins to suppress the signal from the weaker eye, which in children can lead to permanent vision weakening - known as amblyopia.
When is it needed?
Strabismus surgery is recommended when treatment with glasses, occlusion, or orthoptic exercises has not achieved a satisfactory result, or when the angle of deviation is too large to be corrected conservatively. It can be performed in both children and adults, and the timing is planned individually. In children, it is particularly important not to delay, as the developing brain is still capable of learning proper coordination between both eyes.
Strabismus surgery does not eliminate the need for glasses or exercises. These methods are often combined for the best overall outcome.
How is it performed?
The surgeon corrects the eye position by weakening or strengthening specific eye muscles - a muscle can be recessed from its attachment point (recession) or shortened (resection), depending on the direction and size of the deviation.
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia in both children and adults. The operation itself takes between 30 and 60 minutes and is performed as a day-case procedure, so the patient goes home the same day.
What to expect?
In the days after surgery, mild redness and a foreign body sensation in the eye are possible, which resolve within a few days. Vision may be slightly blurred in the first few days, and the final eye position is assessed at the follow-up appointment. In children, continued orthoptic exercises and wearing glasses are often part of recovery.
Strabismus surgery at Milmedic Clinic is performed by an experienced team led by Dr Nada Milić.
Frequently asked questions
Can strabismus recur after surgery?
Surgery achieves a good anatomical result in most cases, but in some patients the deviation may partially return - particularly in large-angle strabismus or when amblyopia is present. This is why regular follow-ups and continued orthoptic exercises are an important part of long-term treatment success.
Can adults be operated on for strabismus, and what are the results?
Yes, strabismus surgery is successfully performed in adults too. Although the adult brain is no longer in the binocular vision development phase, surgical correction can significantly improve eye alignment and eliminate double vision - with primarily functional and cosmetic benefits.
Both eyes working as one team.
Schedule a consultation and find out whether surgery is the right step for you or your child.