What Are Adjustable Sutures?
Adjustable sutures are a special surgical technique that allows for some “fine-tuning” of the eyes’ alignment after surgery. The operation is performed in two stages. In the first stage, one or more muscles are repositioned with surgical “slip-knot” sutures. In the second stage, if adjustment is needed, the muscle(s) are repositioned by untying and retying the knots under eye-drop anesthesia. If no adjustment is necessary, then the slip knot is converted to a standard knot. What Are the Risks of Strabismus Surgery? The risks of strabismus surgery are extremely low, but all types of surgery carry some risk. Possible complications could include: • A reaction to the anesthesia • Infection • Reduced or double vision • Inadequate eye alignment Why Perform Eye-Muscle Surgery? Adults do not have to live with misaligned eyes. Glasses, prisms, exercises, and other treatments often can help, and surgery can: • Align the eyes for cosmetic reasons • Eliminate double vision • Align eye movement • I
