What is Eye Muscle Surgery?
Eye muscle surgery is done to correct strabismus. Strabismus is the term used to describe any condition in which the eyes are not parallel, whether one eye turns or wanders in or out, or up or down.
The type and amount of surgery done will depend on the child's eye measurements that are done in the office.
Before Surgery
A few days before the surgery, a nurse from Same Day Surgery will contact you (parent/guardian). They will tell you what time your child should arrive at the hospital on the day of surgery.
They will also review when it is time to stop solid food and liquids and review your child’s medications with you.
You should bring a physical exam form that has been filled out by your child's pediatrician within 30 days prior to surgery. On the day of the procedure, your child should wear comfortable clothing and wear no jewelry, eye makeup or fingernail polish. A doctor or nurse practitioner from the Anesthesia Department will talk to you about the anesthesia on the day of surgery. They will be available to answer any questions you may have.
During Surgery
The procedure will take place in the operating room. Your child will be asleep for the entire operation and will not feel any pain or any other sensations. They will be monitored by doctors and nurses throughout the procedure.
The anesthesia team will discuss with you and your child how your child will go to sleep. Children 12 and older will have an IV placed in Same Day Surgery before going to the Operating Room. This is to provide fluids and medications during the procedure.
Special eye instruments are used to hold the eyelids open. No incisions are made in the skin and the eye is not removed at any time during the procedure.
A small opening is made on the membrane covering the white part of the eye. Through this opening, the doctor will operate on the muscles that control the movements of the eye. When the doctor is finished they will cover the muscles with the membrane. There are no stitches to remove because they will dissolve on their own.
After Surgery
The ophthalmologist will speak to you as soon as they have completed the procedure. At this time, the doctor will provide post-surgery instructions, including the use of eye drops and ointment to help with healing and prevent infection. Your doctor may also give specific instructions about follow-up care.
Your child will wake up in the recovery room. A nurse will call for you as soon as your child awakens.
Your child's eyes will be red after surgery. This redness lasts for several weeks as the eye heals. They may have blood-tinged tears for the first day after surgery. There may be some swelling of the eyelids. Your child may also experience double vision for several days after surgery.
Diet and Activity
Offer your child clear liquids (water, apple juice, Jell-O, popsicles) when you return home. Gradually return to a regular diet. It is not unusual for children to feel sick to their stomach after surgery.
Children may be tired and fussy for a day or two after surgery. Normal activities may be resumed as tolerated. Your child may return to school or daycare one or two days after surgery unless otherwise directed by the doctor.
Avoiding Discomfort
Your child's eyes may be sensitive to light. They may want to keep both eyes closed a lot and may squint often. This may occur for one week or more. If necessary, keep lights dimmed or have your child wear sunglasses.
Tylenol may be given for relief of pain and relief of mild fever. A mild fever of 99 to 100 degrees is not unusual; however, if the fever persists or gets higher, contact the doctor. A cool, damp cloth placed over the eyelids can help to soothe eye discomfort.
Contact Us
If your child experiences increased pain, bleeding, swelling or drainage, call the eye clinic during office hours at 513-636-4751. For questions after office hours, call Cincinnati Children's at 513-636-4200 and ask to speak to the ophthalmology resident on-call.
