The effect of strabismus surgery on psychosocial and functional quality of life

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate the effect of strabismus surgery on psychosocial and functional quality of life. Methods: 50 adult strabismus patients who presented to our outpatient clinic with the complaint of strabismus in one eye were included in the study. Routine ophthalmologic examinations and strabismus controls were performed. With the diagnosis of monocular fixed eso/exotropia, unilateral horizontal muscle retraction and resection surgery were planned, and preoperative adult strabismus score (AS-20), Rosenberg self-esteem, body perception, and social appearance anxiety questionnaires were applied. A postoperative PD of 10 or less was considered success, and the questionnaires were repeated at the 2nd postoperative month. Results: The mean age of the patients was 21.54±3.95 (16-32) years. Twenty-two of the patients were female, and 28 were male. Pre-operative and post-operative strabismus AS-20 score, Rosenberg self-esteem, body perception, and social appearance anxiety scales showed statistically significant differences (p<0.05, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001). Conclusion: Strabismus is an important disease that can cause difficulties in social life both in childhood and adulthood. The aim of strabismus surgery is to restore normal facial appearance as well as functional correction. Our study results showed that successful strabismus surgery can improve the psychosocial and functional quality of life.