HomeAnswersOphthalmology (Eye Care)lasikShould I undergo squint correction surgery for my exotropia?

Exotropia squint in the right eye, Is LASIK and squint surgery Recommended?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At May 9, 2018
Reviewed AtFebruary 18, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have had an exotropia squint in my right eye for the last 10 to 12 years. Presently I have very low vision in that eye, and near and far vision is blurry. I consulted an ophthalmologist, and he recommended a LASIK surgery and, after that, a squint correction surgery a month later. Should I go for that? I am attaching my prescription for your reference.

Answered by Dr. Vaibhev Mittal

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your images (attachment removed to protect patient identity). You can proceed with the LASIK surgery and the squint correction as advised.:Your right eye is amblyopic (lazy eye). So, the vision, even after a LASIK, will be 6/18 p and not 6/6. As your eye power is very high, you will have some residual power even after the LASIK. Moreover, your squint is also very large. So, you may need to get both eyes operated on for the squint correction. Even after this surgery, there will be a residual deviation. Do discuss with your doctor regarding these points.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thanks for your reply.

But, I am confused. What I understand is that there is no solution for my eye problem. It will be the same even after surgery. Am I correct?

Answered by Dr. Vaibhev Mittal

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Sorry, I did not mean that. I am just asking you to keep your expectations a little low.

Regarding squint, you may need to get both eyes operated on for this large angle of exotropia. Surgery gives a favorable outcome in 90 % of the patients, but a little under or overcorrection is possible. Regarding LASIK, there are two aspects to understand:

  • As your right eye seems amblyopic, the vision in the right eye will be 6/18, even after the LASIK. That is, it will be less than your left eye.
  • You have very high myopia in the right eye. So, there may be some residual refractive error even after LASIK.

I am not discouraging you, and I would recommend these surgeries to you. But, sometimes, patients have huge expectations from surgery. I am just requesting you to understand the fact and outcome of the surgery. The difference in corneal thickness of the two eyes is around 40 microns. For such a huge difference, I usually repeat pachymetry.

I hope this helps.

Regards.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Vaibhev Mittal
Dr. Vaibhev Mittal

Ophthalmology (Eye Care)

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Ophthalmology (Eye Care)

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy