Principles of Strabismus Surgery for Common Horizontal and Vertical Strabismus Types

Abstract

Strabismus can be distressing to our patients, yet often challenging to treat even in experienced hands. The goal of this chapter is to clearly and concisely share with the reader strategies and strabismus surgical techniques in common horizontal and vertical strabis-mus, that will improve the care of our patients. We describe indications for strabismus surgery, how to plan for successful surgery results and do's and don'ts regarding effective surgical procedures. This includes incision techniques, muscle tightening and weakening procedures and transposition surgery, for rectus as well as oblique muscles. Advice on how to avoid complications of strabismus surgery is also provided. The chapter is based on evidence-based medicine where available and consensus and/or common sense advice is provided where evidence-based medicine is not available. It is the intent of this chapter to be a practical, usable guide helpful for surgeons of diverse experience, from resident ophthalmologists to the expert strabismologist.