**Principles of Strabismus Surgery for Common Horizontal and Vertical Strabismus Types**

Helena Buch Hesgaard and Kenneth W. Wright

Additional information is available at the end of the chapter

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/61849

#### **Abstract**

Strabismus can be distressing to our patients, yet often challenging to treat even in expe‐ rienced hands. The goal of this chapter is to clearly and concisely share with the reader strategies and strabismus surgical techniques in common horizontal and vertical strabis‐ mus, that will improve the care of our patients. We describe indications for strabismus surgery, how to plan for successful surgery results and do's and don'ts regarding effec‐ tive surgical procedures. This includes incision techniques, muscle tightening and weak‐ ening procedures and transposition surgery, for rectus as well as oblique muscles. Advice on how to avoid complications of strabismus surgery is also provided. The chapter is based on evidence-based medicine where available and consensus and/or common sense advice is provided where evidence-based medicine is not available. It is the intent of this chapter to be a practical, usable guide helpful for surgeons of diverse experience, from resident ophthalmologists to the expert strabismologist.

**Keywords:** Strabismus surgery, horizontal strabismus surgery, vertical strabismus sur‐ gery, esotropia, exotropia, inferior oblique overaction, superior oblique palsy, Harada–Ito

#### **1. Introduction**

Teaching strabismus surgical technique in the most common strabismus types is the goal of this chapter. However, it is almost impossible to do on only one book chapter. Thus, this chapter is simply an appetizer for further reading in well-known textbooks written by experienced great strabismus surgeons who are mentioned here. This chapter aims to describe indications for strabismus surgery, planning for a successful surgery result, and do's and don'ts for effective surgical procedures for horizontal and vertical strabismus, including incision techniques, muscle tightening, weakening procedures, and transposition surgery. In addition,

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complications are concerns of the chapter. Our hope is that this book chapter will help surgeons of diverse experience and improve the care of strabismus patients.
