Whether affecting a child or developing later in adulthood, eye movement disorders can disrupt daily life, strain visual function, and impact confidence. Eye muscle surgery is one of the most effective and time-tested treatments for restoring alignment and improving how the eyes work together. At The Pediatric Eye Center, Dr. Eric Lichtenstein brings more than 25 years of experience caring for both children and adults, providing thoughtful evaluations, clear explanations, and steady reassurance every step of the way. Read on to explore how this procedure works, why it is considered safe, and what to expect.
Understanding the Purpose of Eye Muscle Surgery
Eye muscle surgery addresses eye misalignment and abnormal eye movements by moving the position of one or more of the muscles surrounding the eye. The purpose of this surgery is to properly align the eyes, restore single vision, improve depth perception, and reduce or eliminate abnormal head positions caused by strabismus or nystagmus.
The procedure is commonly recommended when glasses, patching, prism lenses, or other non-surgical therapies will not be useful or haven’t provided enough improvement. For many children and adults, surgery is an excellent option for straightening the eyes, providing better visual comfort and greater confidence.
Can Eye Muscle Surgery Lead to Blindness?
The risk of vision loss or blindness from eye muscle surgery is extremely low. Any time surgery is performed on or near the eyes, there is a risk. That said, eye muscle surgery is considered one of the safest eye surgeries and is exceptionally safe.
Complications such as infection, bleeding, or damage to internal eye structures are rare. With thousands of successful surgeries performed, Dr. Lichtenstein uses meticulous techniques that prioritize safety and precision. While no surgery is entirely risk-free, blindness is an exceedingly rare outcome.
What Risks Should Patients Be Aware Of?
Eye muscle surgery is generally predictable and well-tolerated, but all patients and families should understand the potential risks:
- Overcorrection or undercorrection: Some patients may need an adjustment or a second procedure to achieve optimal alignment.
- Temporary eye redness or soreness: Mild irritation is common and typically improves within a few days after surgery.
- Rare anesthesia risks: These are minimized by working with experienced pediatric and adult anesthesia teams.
- Recurrence of misalignment: Most of the time, strabismus is the result of cellular “misbehavior” in the brain. There are no surgeries (or therapies, etc.) that can change this. Eye muscle surgery does not cure the underlying problem (again, nothing does), so the problem can return. An experienced strabismus surgeon can explain the likelihood of this in a given situation.
During your consultation, Dr. Lichtenstein will review these considerations in detail, explain expected results, and ensure you understand your individualized treatment plan.
What Recovery Looks Like
Most patients recover quickly. Mild redness, a gritty sensation, and/or a scant clear/whitish discharge are common in the first few days and typically resolve on their own. Most children return to school a few days after surgery, and most adults feel ready to get back to work within a week.
Follow-up visits allow Dr. Lichtenstein to evaluate healing and whether the eyes are responding as expected. Improvement in alignment is typically visible soon after surgery, though final results take time.
Why Dr. Lichtenstein Is a Leading Choice for Eye Muscle Surgery
Children, teens, and adults can all benefit from Dr. Lichtenstein’s combination of surgical experience, expertise and reassuring bedside manner. As a board-certified, fellowship-trained pediatric ophthalmologist with more than 25 years of experience caring for patients of all ages, he offers:
- Thousands of successful eye muscle surgeries performed with precision and care
- Diagnostic accuracy that supports individualized, thoughtful treatment planning
- A calm, communicative approach that puts both children and adults at ease
- A commitment to recommending only what is medically appropriate for each patient
From the first visit through long-term follow-up, patients and families feel supported, heard, and genuinely cared for.
Book a Consultation for Expert Guidance
If you or your child’s eyes drift, turn, or move unusually, or if you have been told surgery might help, schedule a consultation at The Pediatric Eye Center. You’ll receive clear answers, a personalized plan, and expert guidance grounded in Dr. Lichtenstein’s extensive clinical experience. Our team is here to help you move forward with confidence, clarity, and care.
