“It Completely Changed How I Feel About Myself:” One Patient’s Eye Surgery Story

Produced in partnership with Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates, Pennsylvania

Strabismus is a misalignment of the eyes that affects between 2 to 4% of the population.

“It’s usually due to an imbalance in the power of the eye movement muscles. Some patients are born with a strabismus, or it can be caused by injury, the aging process, or other medical conditions,” explains Dr. Elliot McKeestrabismus specialist at Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates.

• The impact: Strabismus can cause double vision, eye strain, or difficulty maintaining eye contact.

Fortunately, there is surgery that can correct it.

How it’s made: “The surgeon makes a small incision in the corner of the conjunctiva (the white part of the eye) to tighten or loosen the muscle as needed,” says Dr. McKee.

• The surgery is performed under sedation or general anesthesia.

Take note: Sometimes adults with strabismus are told that it is “too late” to correct it.

• “That’s not true. Strabismus treatment can improve vision, restore normal eye appearance and improve self-confidence at any age,” says Dr. McKee.

We spoke to one of Dr. McKee’s patients, a woman in her 20s, to find out what you need to know about the procedure.

How has strabismus affected your life?

I always had it in my left eye, but it got progressively worse and started to bother me a lot over the last two years.

• He constantly weighed on me and it made me lose confidence.

Why did you choose to have surgery, and why at CEENTA?

First of all: I searched online to see if anything could be done to correct strabismus and found there was surgery specifically for this.

Then I learned more about why Dr. McKee became an eye doctor and it made me feel comfortable seeing someone for it and moving forward with a consultation.

How was the recovery?

It wasn’t bad at all. I had surgery on a Friday and returned to work on Tuesday. My eye was quite red and a bit uncomfortable for a few weeks, but that never stopped me from doing what I normally do.

• The idea of ​​eye surgery sounds a lot worse than it actually is.

Are you satisfied with the results?

I’m so much more than happy with the result of my operation. Sometimes I still have to remind myself that I don’t have to worry about it all the time.

• It has completely changed the way I interact with everyone in my life and how I feel about myself.

Is there anything you wish you had known before the operation?

Hindsight is 20/20: I wish I had known I could have had surgery years ago. I didn’t know this surgical correction existed and thought I was just stuck with the way my eye looked.

I was also worrying unnecessarily about the whole surgical process. CEENTA – and Dr. McKee in particular – have been so good to me from the initial consultation through my 6 months post-surgery.

• I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.

From eye surgery to seasonal allergies, Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates, PA can help you feel better. Find out more and make an appointment.

Produced in partnership with Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates, PA