Affiliation:
1. Assistant professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Dr. M.K. Shah Medical College and Research Centre, Ahmedabad.
2. Senior resident, Department of Ophthalmology, Dr. M.K. Shah Medical College and Research Centre, Ahmedabad.
Abstract
Background: Patients with strabismus often suffer from several psychosocial and emotional
consequences. Strabismus surgery address both the functional and psychosocial complaints as both
these parameters affect patients' quality of health.
Aims &objectives: To assess change in quality of life after surgical correction
Methodology: This prospective study was conducted among 50 patients who underwent strabismus surgery at the
Ophthalmology Department of Dr. M.K. Shah Medical College and Research Centre, Ahmedabad. Information regarding selfesteem, self-condence, self-assessment of intelligence, effect on employment options, and interpersonal relationships.
Quality of life was measured through SF-8 questionnaire. Assessment was done preoperatively and at three months after
surgery for any change in these parameters.
Results: Mean age of 37.2 ± 10.2 years were enrolled. About 58.0% were female. Only 5 out of 50 (10.0%) experienced
preoperative diplopia. Majority of the patients responded that strabismus caused embarrassment (86.0%), trouble in eye
contact (86.0%), negative self-esteem (80.0%), camouage (70.0%). After surgery, 49 (98.0%) patients were satised.
Improvement in self-esteem, ability to meet new people, relationship and employment, were reported by 43 (86.0%), 31 (62.0%),
12 (24.0%) and 5 (10.0%) and patients. SF-8 scores subscales (except bodily pain, vitality, role emotional subscales) were
statistically signicant differences (P<0.05). The average postoperative utility value was 0.86 ± 0.23 with gain of 0.12 ± 0.14
gain.
Conclusion: Patients with strabismus have psychosocial difculties. Strabismus corrective surgery causes signicant
psychosocial and functional benets and improve the quality of life.