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AUGUST 2017 | The Surgical Technologist | 351 PediatricStrabismus Surgery L E A R N I N G O B J E C T I V E S s Learn the conditions and anatomy associated with pediatric ophthalmologic surgery s Examine the testing and indications for strabismus surgery s Review the set up and draping protocols specific to this procedure s Learn the step-by-step process involved s Explain the anticipated outcome for the patient LaTisha Allen, cst C A U S E S I n infants and children, two types of strabismus may be present: infantile esotropia —where the eye turns inward and the infant cannot use both eyes together or accommodative esotropia (present in children two years of age or older)—where the eyes turn inwardly when the child focuses both eyes to see clearly. With this type of strabismus, the eyes tend to cross when the child is focusing at a distance, up close, or both. Depending on the problem, one or both eyes may need surgery. 1 Strabismus can be linked to heredity and neurological problems or can be completely unrelated. If genetic, there may be no relatives who have presented with the problem. 2 Brain function disorders linked to strabismus include prematurity, cerebral palsy, brain tumors, hydrocephalus and Down syndrome. 2 A cataract or eye injury that affects vision can also cause strabismus. Vision during childhood can be affected by a wide range of issues includ- ing common myopia (nearsightedness), amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (cross-eyed). In the United States, about 4% of all children have strabis- mus. 1,6 According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, strabismus is a visual problem in the alignment of the eyes. The condition presents as eyes pointing in different directions, often with one straight. For example: one eye looks forward, while the other turns inward or downward. The degree of misalignment can vary, come and go, or switch to the other eye. 1