Measuring the effects of eye alignment surgery-version 1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Measuring the effects of eye alignment surgery - a feasibility study. Phase one - what do patients report following eye alignment surgery?
IRAS ID
231502
Contact name
Gemma Arblaster
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research summary
Having an eye that turns, so that both eyes aren’t lined up in the same direction, is known as strabismus (or squint). This disorder affects 4-5% of the population. Patients with strabismus may have visual problems, such as double vision, but for many it is the misalignment of their eyes that is their main concern. Having misaligned eyes is associated with anxiety and depression, it can reduce a person's self-esteem and self-confidence, causing problems with their relationships with other people and reducing their ability to get a job. For the majority of patients with strabismus the main reason for having surgery is to restore the alignment of their eyes to a straighter position. This is called a ‘psychosocial benefit’ and can improve their quality of life. The NHS currently funds eye alignment surgery because of these known benefits to patients; however NHS services in some regions have withdrawn funding for this surgery over concerns that there is not enough evidence of the benefit to patients.
It is not fully understood whether eye alignment surgery causes additional benefits above and beyond the psychological and social benefits. Evidence from the literature suggests aspects of patients’ lives and their vision can improve following eye alignment surgery. This study aims to increase our knowledge and understanding of the potential benefits of alignment surgery. In the first part of the study (phase one), adult patients who have had eye alignment surgery will be asked their views on what has changed for them following surgery. Interviews will be conducted at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and will focus on patients’ experiences of changes in vision or other aspects of everyday living, such as task performance.
REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/NW/0561
Date of REC Opinion
21 Sep 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion