Lasik is a common form of refractive surgery that uses a laser to reshape the cornea and fix vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. However, some may wonder if Lasik can correct Strabismus, a condition in which the eyes are misaligned and do not function properly together. So let’s look deeper into this topic and learn more about Lasik’s possible benefits and limitations for treating Strabismus.
A closer look into Strabismus
Sometimes you may have noticed that some children and adults have crossed or misaligned eyes. It occurs when one of the six muscles surrounding the eye pulls it and looks outward, inward, down, or up. Sometimes even newborns may have conditions like these. The medical term used to describe this condition is Strabismus. It is important to get treatment for this condition as soon as possible. Otherwise, the person can face some complications.
During this condition, the eyes move in tandem, and when the person is looking elsewhere, it leads to a double vision of the person. The brain gets used to this condition, eventually ignoring the eye’s turning, leading to lost or reduced vision in that particular eye. The condition of Strabismus may get classified based on how often it occurs, in which direction the eye turns, and whether it happens in one eye or both eyes.
When the eye is turning inward, then it is referred to as esotropia; when the eye is turning upward, then it is referred to as hyperopia; when is eye is turning outward, then it is referred to as exotropia; and when the eye is turning downward, then it is referred as hypertropia.
Causes and some treatments of Strabismus
The cause of Strabismus can range from nerves to problems in the eye muscles or injuries. Some risk factors for developing a crossed eye include medical conditions, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, family history, or a refractive error in people with farsightedness. You can easily get your condition by contacting a good eye doctor nearby, who will perform a comprehensive eye exam and consider your health history.
If you get Strabismus diagnosed, then there is no need to worry, and all thanks to modern technology, you can get it easily cured as there are various treatment options available in the market. You can consult with your doctor, and they will prescribe you the best option according to your needs which will help improve the coordination and alignment in your eyes.
One of the simplest treatments for dealing with Strabismus is glasses and contact lenses; yes, these will be the simplest solution you will need to correct your condition. Another easy solution is the Prism Lenses which are special as they are thicker on one side, so they can alter the light coming in and sometimes stop your eye from turning.
For some patients, getting vision therapy also helps with their condition. In vision therapy, they get to do special eye exercises that will help with the focus and coordination of their eyes. Another option for treatment is medication; using some ointments or eye drops prescribed by your doctor can also greatly help your condition.
Last but not least, the option is surgery; for some patients getting surgery is the best option for them as, in these cases, the muscles will be surrounding the eyes of the patients adjusted in a way that will help to keep the eyes aligned. And after getting the surgery, the patients can go for vision therapy.
Treatment of Strabismus with Lasik
First, it is critical to understand that Strabismus is a complex disease with numerous underlying causes. Sometimes, eye misalignment is caused by a muscle or nerve issue that cannot be corrected with Lasik or any other type of refractive surgery. Strabismus can also be caused by a refractive error, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness, which can be rectified with Lasik surgery. As a result, the efficacy of Lasik for treating Strabismus will vary depending on the particular instance and the underlying cause of the misalignment.
First, it is critical to understand that Strabismus is a complex disease with numerous underlying causes. Sometimes, eye misalignment is caused by a muscle or nerve issue that cannot be corrected with Lasik or any other type of refractive surgery. Strabismus can also be caused by a refractive error, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness, which can be rectified with Lasik surgery. As a result, the efficacy of Lasik for treating Strabismus will vary depending on the particular instance and the underlying cause of the misalignment.
Sometimes, Strabismus may be treated with Lasik and other procedures, such as eye muscle surgery or vision therapy. Eye muscle surgery involves adjusting the muscles that control eye movement to realign the eyes, whereas vision therapy involves exercises and other methods to improve eye-brain coordination. Combining these treatments may yield better results while lowering the chance of complications.
It’s also essential to consider the risks and limitations of Lasik for strabismus treatment. Like any other type of refractive surgery, Lasik has some risks, including dry eyes, glare, halos, and decreased night vision. These side effects may be temporary and resolve over time in some instances, but they may be more persistent in others and necessitate additional treatment. As a result, before deciding whether Lasik is appropriate for you, you should explore the potential risks and benefits with your eye doctor.
Furthermore, having reasonable expectations about Lasik’s outcomes for treating Strabismus is critical. While Lasik can correct the underlying refractive error and reduce eye misalignment, it cannot completely correct the condition or restore perfect vision. As a result, it’s critical to have a comprehensive examination and discussion with your eye doctor to determine the best course of treatment for your specific situation.
Conclusion
While Lasik can help correct the refractive error that causes eye misalignment in some instances of Strabismus, it is not a cure for this complex condition. Working closely with your eye doctor to identify the underlying cause of your Strabismus and developing a comprehensive treatment plan that may include Lasik, eye muscle surgery, vision therapy, or other treatments as appropriate is critical. By working together, you can improve your vision and reduce the impact of Strabismus on your daily living.
