Question

My doctor have recommended surgery for this squint that I have but I am reluctant to have the operation. I'm frighten that it would be dangerous. The doctor said that my squint might be hereditary. Currently I am doing some eyes exercise. The doctor said that if I want to go for the surgery, I must stop doing the exercise and let my condition lapse first.

I am also short sighted and the degrees of my eyes are about 9.00 for each eye. I am also having astigmatism in my right eye.

Can you please advise me what is the best course of action to take? By the way I'm already 22.

(Jacqueline Ng)

Answer:

Dear Jacqueline,

Without being informed on what sort of squint you have, I would say the main reason for having surgery would be cosmetic (you apparently have no complaints). Then I would like to know: Are you cosmetically disturbed by the squint. Please let me know.
Secondly, although the rate of complications in strabismus surgery is exceedingly low (in less than 1 in 10000 cases a decrease of vision occurs, for instance), the rate is slightly more unfavourable in case of a severe myopia, as in your case.

(Herb Simonsz, MD, PhD)

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