Strabismus surgery + Medication

[CrossEyed_Conflicted]

I recently scheduled to have "strabismus correction surgery", and it's the 2nd one I've had in my life...the first surgery was done when I was much younger (about 10 years old; I am 31 now). BOTH of my eyes cross OUTward, although the surgery I had as a child DID WORK. Apparently it wasn't a permanent 'fix'..and my eye doctor also said that the upcoming surgery may be effective for a number of years, but not permanently. I have the utmost faith in the surgeon (he is actually the same doctor that operated on me when I was a child..he's still practicing!!), but there is ONE issue that I am seriously struggling with. I am on methadone (prescribed to me, NOT recreational), and I really wanted an outside opinion of whether there would be any major side effects/complications because of this. I'm just wondering if there's any data/evidence suggesting that methadone can cause complications with this type of surgery..to the extent that the surgery can't/shouldn't be done.  I am on 40mgs a day, and it is the ONLY medication that I take. I  want to have this surgery done...my eyes crossing has REALLY started to take its toll on me mentally, emotionally and socially (not to mention physically...the headaches, the disorientation, etc). However, I really don't want the doctor to decide NOT to do the surgery simply because I am on methadone. I guess I understand if nobody replies to this...but I WOULD be very grateful for any/all insight from someone who's 'in the business' of eye health. Thanks and have a great day!!

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Best of luck to you.
JCH MD

[CrossEyed_Conflicted]

Dr. Hagan, thank you SO much for your reply. It was such a relief to read the opinion and insight of an experienced professional. I actually called my doctor today to tell him (he was in surgery when I called). The person I spoke to didn't seem to THINK it would be an issue, but said she'll definitely let the doctor know..they'll be calling me back if there is a problem. The impression I got was that the anesthesia is more likely to be complicated than the eye surgery itself. I was just so discouraged at the thought of not having this surgery. Your reply gives me hope and relief...thank you so much! Have a great day and God bless!

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

It is not likely at all that the methedone will complicate your eye surgery. What your surgeon has told you is true. Strabismus patients, especially those requiring surgery, have poor fusion. Lacking the ability of the brain to use vision in both eyes together properly the wandering eye does not have a "rudder". Thus while the 2nd surgery may improve the appearance of your eyes it will not help them work together  better and over the eyars the eye could drift in or out.
JCH MD

[CrossEyed_Conflicted]

**I am approaching this surgery SERIOUSLY and I WANT to 'do it right'. I understand the implications of NOT telling my doctor about medications I'm on.  That being said, I do not want to jeopardize being able to HAVE the surgery due to the doctor having a stigma against methadone patients. I have heard PLENTY of horror-stories about people not getting adequate or quality treatment because their doctors have issues with methadone patients. I am an honest, hard-working person who just wants to have strabismus correction surgery. It's that simple. SO if it will not have any bearing on the actual surgery or its outcome (as well as possible complications during anesthesia), I feel like I'd get less resistance in the long run to just leave the methadone OUT of the picture. However, I realize and appreciate that in order to GIVE me adequate and quality care, my doctor needs ALL the information! So, that's my dilemma. Thanks for any advice.