I've Already Had Strabismus Surgery. Can Vision Therapy Still Be Beneficial?

The short answer is YES. Vision therapy can be beneficial for strabismus at any stage.

In most cases, surgery targets the lateral and medial rectus muscles in both eyes to straighten the eyes. While the eyes may appear aligned, the brain still struggles to coordinate the muscles properly, and patients may continue to function as though they have strabismus. Over time, the eyes may turn again, and additional surgeries may be recommended.

Surgery may reduce the chances of success or lengthen the time required for a Vision Therapy program. Surgical intervention often has a low success rate, measured by both cosmetic and functional outcomes. With each additional surgery, the likelihood of success decreases. However, Vision Therapy before and after surgery can improve the chances of a successful surgical outcome. Therefore, it is logical to pursue a Vision Therapy program first, before considering further strabismus surgeries.

Reference:

For updated science and research on this topic, visit:

https://visionhelp.com/strabismus/

The following books, written by two adult patients with personal experience with strabismus, offer valuable insights. Both authors underwent surgery at a young age but were successfully treated with vision therapy later in life. These books are a source of inspiration for both parents of young children with strabismus and for adults struggling with the condition:

  • “Fixing My Gaze” by Dr. Susan Barry
  • “Cross-eyed Optimist” by Robert Bryan Crockett

These books are particularly helpful for parents and patients:

  • “Crossed & Lazy Eyes: Myths, Misconceptions, and Truths” by Pilar Vergara Gimenez
  • “A Parent’s Guide to Strabismus, Surgery, and Vision Therapy” by Dr. Steven Gallop

All books are available on Amazon.com or OEPF.org.