Stunning methods
Usually, children are operated on under general anesthesia because of the need to keep still and the possibly scary seeming execution of the operation. In adults, the operation is usually performed under so-called block anaesthesia. The protective reflex of the eyes is suppressed by the anesthesia, as well as pain and movement are suppressed, so that the operation can be performed unhindered. If the patient finds a manipulation of the eye unbearable, in exceptional cases the operation can be performed under general anesthesia, even in adults. However, the increased stress on the organism must always be considered.
Duration of surgery
How long the operation takes depends on how many muscles have to be operated on and therefore the duration is very variable and should be checked with the treating surgeon.
OP Suitability
As a rule, small children who have undergone surgery wait until they have reached pre-school age. Usually, surgery is only performed after the eye malposition has remained constant for six months. Other age limits do not exist.
OP Risks
Blind cannot usually be achieved by the surgery, it is very low-risk in this respect. As very rare complications, post-operative bleeding and infections are mentioned. For a period of 48 hours after the operation, pain is to be expected, especially during eye movements, which can be treated with painkillers.
As a rule, the operation of the squinting eye is only a part of the entire treatment concept. Often, regular further treatment by the ophthalmologist is necessary and wearing glasses is hardly unnecessary. In some cases, surgical follow-up corrections are necessary, which should not be considered a failure of the therapy but conscientious aftercare.
Before the operation
If the surgery is performed under general anesthesia, you should not eat or drink cloudy liquids for 6 hours before the anesthesia. 2 hours before the anesthesia, clear liquids should also be avoided. (Exception: preparation tablet(s) with a little water). Smoking should be stopped.If medication is taken in the morning, it should be discussed with the responsible anaesthetist which medication may be taken before the anaesthesia.
