Strabismus Surgery in Patients Aged Over 80 Years: Indications, Safety, and Outcomes

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Geriatric Medicine
• Surgical Science

Background:

• Strabismus in the elderly can lead to significant functional and psychological distress, primarily due to diplopia.
• Surgical intervention offers a potential solution to alleviate diplopia and its associated psychosocial impact.
• Older adults present unique challenges for strabismus surgery due to comorbidities and varied ocular conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the indications for strabismus surgery in patients aged 80 years and older.
• To evaluate the safety and outcomes of strabismus surgery in this specific elderly demographic.
• To assess the efficacy of surgical intervention in resolving diplopia and improving visual function.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective clinical cohort study.
• Review of 165 patients aged 80+ who underwent strabismus surgery between 2014 and 2024.
• Analysis of patient demographics, diagnoses, surgical procedures, anesthesia types, and outcomes, including complication rates and diplopia resolution.

Main Results:

• Diplopia was the primary complaint in 94% of patients, with a mean symptom duration of 5 years.
• Sagging eye syndrome was the most frequent diagnosis (46%); combined esotropia and hypertropia was the most common deviation (30%).
• Diplopia resolved in 75% after initial surgery, increasing to 87% after further procedures, with an overall reoperation rate of 13% and no intraoperative complications.

Conclusions:

• Strabismus surgery in patients over 80 years old is a safe and effective treatment for resolving diplopia.
• The procedure leads to improved binocular alignment and stereopsis in the elderly population.
• Surgical intervention in this age group can significantly enhance functional vision and quality of life without substantial complications.