Measuring the effects of eye alignment surgery - version 2.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Measuring the effects of eye alignment surgery - a feasibility study. Phase two - Measuring vision and task performance before and after eye alignment surgery.
IRAS ID
256407
Contact name
Gemma Arblaster
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 27 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funds eye alignment surgery because of these known benefits to patients; however NHS services in some regions have withdrawn funding for this surgery over concerns that there is not enough evidence of the benefit to patients.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.
In the first part of the study (phase one), adult patients who previously had eye alignment surgery were asked their views on what has changed for them following surgery. This information has been used to plan the second part of the study (phase two). Adults who have chosen to have eye alignment surgery will be invited to take part and have different tests of their vision and ability to perform tasks before and after surgery. This study aims to increase our knowledge and understanding of the potential benefits of alignment surgery.
REC name
London - Queen Square Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/LO/2013
Date of REC Opinion
22 Nov 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion