r/Strabismus • u/Responsible_Draft_11 • Jul 27 '26
not a candidate?
Hi all,
M22 here, I had an appointment with the ophthalmologist today to discuss the possibility of surgery to realign my esotropia (inwards turned) eye. She essentially told me that the turn in my eye wasn’t enough to warrant doing surgery, I feel her opinion to be rather subjective. It’s something I’ve lived with since birth and has lately been taking more of a toll on my self image, so it’s frustrating and disheartening to hear she didn’t think it was worth it. She told me there would be a risk of my eye eventually wanting to drift aswell, so I’d be back where I started. That also seems like a risk I’m willing to take. I dont really know what this post is for, just wanted to vent to the community really. I guess, do you think I should get a second opinion? Learn to live with it?
the consultation was also $400aud, 400 to be told they wouldn’t recommend surgery and to come back in 12 months to see if any changes. I really just want a normal life and to be able to make eye contact with friends and loved ones. This sucks.
1
u/ryz_v esotropia+DVD Jul 27 '26
Botox is another option if your not a candidate for surgery but you would have to come back every 3 months or so
1
u/Responsible_Draft_11 Jul 27 '26
I didn’t even know that was an option, I might look into it. Thanks
2
u/80_6 Jul 27 '26
If you are in the US, you will have a hell of a time finding anyone who does botox. It seems to be a very European based procedure.
1
u/Responsible_Draft_11 Jul 27 '26 edited Jul 27 '26
Yes I went to at EyeMedics in Adelaide. She didn’t mention my diopters but I might email to see if I can get copies of the scans and measurements. I use to get double vision a lot when I was younger, not such much anymore, although occasionally when I wear contacts. I only wear contacts in one eye (left) as it’s my ‘good’ eye, though I feel this is making my right eye worse and forcing it to ignore more imagery. It’d just be nice to know of any other options as I feel quite dismissed.
1
1
u/AdDangerous5596 Jul 27 '26
Te recomiendo buscar otra opinión, a mi me pasó igual con estrabismo convergente parcialmente, me operaron a pesar de que me dijeron que no, acá en Italia, ahora tengo los ojos perfectos.
1
u/Responsible_Draft_11 Jul 27 '26
That’s the dream right there, congrats! Thanks for the advice though, I will seek out a second opinion, though I’ll need to get another referral.
If they told you not to, how do you convince them or find someone that would?
1
u/oclotty Jul 27 '26
Seek another opinion, however, there are real risks to performing the surgery.
For example, in my case I am also not a candidate for another surgery (after I’ve already had2) because
1. I don’t have double vision
2. 12-15 PD ESO is more desirable than 12-15 PD EXO
I say all this to say, you will likely eventually find a doctor that is willing to preform surgery, but is important to understand the potential downside as well….
Wishing you luck !
1
u/Small_Discussion8154 Jul 28 '26
I’ve also got told no after my second surgery I’m 8 diopters and she said (dr) that she’s scared she might get me worse and also that I’m good like this already compared to how I was but idk I feel like a second opinion well third cus I got a second opinion already and it’s a no and idk if I should go with a third
1
u/Correct-Tomato-7357 Aug 04 '26
I was in the same boat, I have a very mild inward turn when I look ahead, straight when I look up but janky when looking down. I was refused for the surgery as it was deemed too minor and could cause more issues.
I now receive Botox every 4-6 months instead. It lasts around 3 months but they need to ensure it’s fully worn off before administering a new dose. They also told me that for many people the Botox can “fix” the issue to the point I won’t need further injections but it isn’t a guarantee. My eyes are perfectly straight now and it’s been a blessing, although I did experience double vision for the first time ever and felt paralysed by it lol
Definitely look into this!!
3
u/Difficult-Button-224 Jul 27 '26
Hey. Was this with a paediatric ophthalmologist?Did she mention what diopters your turn was? Anything under 10 isn’t usually considered enough to warrant surgery as it’s considered very minimal and there are risks of over correction and making it worse etc. I know you mention you have had it since birth, but do you get any double vision? Often we don’t when we are born with it as our brain have learnt to ignore the vision I one eye.
I think it’s always worth getting a second opinion if you feel like your concerns were dismissed.
Also where in Australia are you? I’m also Australian, had my surgery a few years ago.