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Question

I am 40. I have strabismus in my right eye. It turns inward, and the eye is smaller and deeper set than its partner (I have been told this is similar to atrophy in unused limbs). I have had two surgeries to attempt to correct, but it is still very noticeable. I have a hard time finding help. I have consulted strabismus surgeons who are very discouraging, promise little and make me feel hopeless. I have enquired about a scleral shell and they say it would be more noticeable than my present condition. I just want my eye to be less noticeable. I am not asking for perfection. People make comments about my eye - gross, weird, or ugly. I just want to be able to look people in the eye. Do I have any hope of making my eye more "normal"? I am turning into a recluse, because I am weary of years of rejection.

(Ann Quinn)

Answer:

Dear Ann,

Thank you for sharing your experience. Please let us know what is the reason for the eye looking small. We had several cases of hemifacial atrophy (Romberg syndrome), where the entire right or left half of the face gradually reduces in size. These cases have convergent squint, and are exceedingly difficult to treat surgically. Alternatively, is your eye too small from birth onwards ? What surgery was does. Please let us know.

(Herb Simonsz, MD, PhD)

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