Adult Squint Correction

[JNC1984]

I am 24 year old female with an obvious outward turning squint which tends to affect my self esteem. I have had the squint my entire life, it used to turn inwards but after being operated on age 10 it has now drifted outwards. For a long time after the operation it was fine and only really noticeable when I was tired. Now it is obvious all the time and I find new social situations difficult as I am conscious of the fact people notice my eye.  I have been offered the option of Botox injections or further surgery to correct the squint. It has been suggested that I try the botox first in order to see how I respond to it and then proceed to surgery. I would love to have surgery again to correct the squint but I have been told that there is a relative risk of being left with permanent double vision. I'm confused abot what to do. If there is a way to make my eye straight by surgery I am keen to proceed but I am also very concerned about the possible permanent effects this could have and the effects that would have on my everyday life, i.e. work, driving etc. Also, is the squint likely to drift again? Any advice would be much appreciated! Thanks.

[BD1981]

I'm a 27yo male and i can completely relate to your situation. Originally born cross-eyed, I had many operations as a baby/toddler, with my last one at around the age of 10.  Now it's just my left eye has an outward squint. It's worse when i'm tired. (which is often) When I look in the mirror at this eye, the squint corrects as such - then the other eye has the squint.

Fortunately at least, my vision itself seems perfect. In fact I've never had glasses. So back then (~15yrs ago now) even though my left eye was still a bit lazy at times, things were left alone after that - granted the risks or making things worse.

But today, it has me wondering if there's been any advances in the treatment?

[davtpt]

Please be careful, I had the surgery 3 years ago & now I have double vision, I wish I never had the surgery, I prefer the "squint" compared to this horrible incurable double vision...

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

I'm sorry but you need to bring these questions to a board-certified pediatric ophthalmologist that also specializes in adult strabismus.  This is just not my area of expertise.  My internet research shows that BOTOX injections have shown promising results for exotropia in some studies.  I would find the best strabismus expert ophthalmologist in your area and find out what he/she recommends.

MJK MD