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Question:

About: Older child strabismus
Over the last 6 months we noticed our 6 year old childs left eye wouldnot always focus in the same direction his right eye would focus. A well renowned ophthalmologist verified that indeed he had exotropic strabismus. He strongly urges that we surgically correct the muscle placement of the left eye as early as possible before his vision suffers. Is surgery the best alternative to correct his strabismus? Can you recommend any specialist the get a second opion, ideally in the Boston area. Thank you for your time.

( Jeffrey Roberts )

Answer:

Dear Jeff,
I might be a good idea to straighten the eyes surgically to preserve binocular and depth vision. However, this type of squint has the tendency to recur and therefore, you may end up having done two operations and still be left with exotropia.

Yours truly,

(Herb Simonsz, MD, PhD)

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