Strabismus Surgery

Strabismus surgery is performed to correct misalignment of the eye. In strabismus, the two eyes do not line up properly so they do not view the same object at the same time, a condition commonly known as "crossed eyes." It is caused by abnormal weakness or strength in the muscles that control eye movement. Most such surgery is for children who were born with strabismus. If corrective glasses, eye patch, or other treatment isn't helpful, one or both eyes may undergo surgery. Eye and neurological tests are done first, to determine how much the eyes are out of alignment. With the child under general anesthesia, the surgeon cuts through the tissue covering the white of the eye (conjunctiva) to reach the eye muscles that need surgery. A section of muscle may be cut out to shorten and strengthen it. If the muscle needs to be weakened, it is reattached farther toward the back of the eye. Adults who usually acquire the condition have a similar surgery, but require only local anesthesia. In adults, an adjustable suture is used on the weakened muscle so that minor corrections in alignment can be made later. 

Why UAB

UAB Ophthalmology has more than 25 physicians, many of them named among the top doctors in their fields nationally. They are renowned for their advances in eye care, breaking through old ways of treating blinding eye diseases and revolutionizing many areas of ophthalmology.

Ophthalmology care at UAB is located in UAB Callahan Eye Hospital, one of the busiest eye hospitals in the country, where specialists work together to treat complex cases. The UAB Callahan Eye Hospital surgical suite houses nine operating rooms dedicated to eye surgery as well as a 24/7 Eye emergency room, which is the region’s only Level I Ocular Trauma Center. More than 11,000 surgeries are performed at UAB Callahan Eye Hospital each year, and we conduct more reconstructive eye surgeries than any other facility in the world. Patients come from around the nation to be treated for eye conditions at UAB.

The UAB Center for Low Vision Rehabilitation works with patients to maximize vision and provides services such as orientation and mobility, occupational therapy, and support groups for patients dealing with vision loss or impairment.

Through ongoing research and clinical trials, UAB continues to make great strides in the field of ophthalmology. In addition to our physicians, we have a team of vision scientists who are fully dedicated to researching causes, preventions, and cures for eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Many UAB ophthalmologists have received funding from prestigious research organizations and institutions and collaborate in clinical care to deliver the latest in scientific discovery to our patients.

Images and Videos

Priscilla Fowler, MD Assistant Professor and Director of the Cornea Service in the Department of Ophthalmology at UAB, discusses how easily "red eye" can be misdiagnosed.

See how UAB’s Bioptic Driving Program is paving the road for those who are severely nearsighted to get behind the wheel safely. 

UAB pilot program brings glaucoma screenings closer to home.

UAB Callahan Eye Hospital helped save a young baseball player’s career and, most importantly, his sight.

After being hit in the eye with a bottle rocket, Dianne Peterson underwent sight-saving surgery at UAB Callahan Eye Hospital. 

PHYSICIANS

Ann Marie Arciniegas-Bernal, MD
Ann Marie Arciniegas-Bernal, MD
Martin S. Cogen, MD
Martin S. Cogen, MD

Related Conditions

This procedure may be used to treat or diagnose several different conditions. We have listed some of these conditions below for your convenience. Please note that this is not a comprehensive list and may vary depending on your specific diagnosis.

CLINICAL TRIALS

UAB is an active participant in research and clinical trials for Strabismus Surgery. We encourage you to speak to your physician about research and clinical trial options and browse the link below for more information on clinical trials at clinicaltrials.gov.

View Clinical Trials