Does a Child with 15 Degrees of Exotropia Need Surgery Treatment?

Question

If a child has 15 degrees of exotropia, is surgery treatment necessary? Will the condition worsen if surgery is not performed?

Answer

Congenital strabismus should be treated as early as possible, usually recommended before the age of school entry for correction. The later the treatment is started, the more complex the treatment may become. Firstly, the child should be taken to a professional ophthalmology hospital for an examination of the type and degree of strabismus, and a treatment plan should be formulated based on the examination results. Although surgical treatment does carry risks, choosing a regular ophthalmology hospital for surgery can reduce these risks. For mild strabismus, glasses can be tried for correction; if the degree of strabismus is severe, surgical treatment may be necessary.