How adjustable sutures work in adult strabismus surgery, and what to expect from double vision, redness and alignment in the first weeks.
30.10.2026
Strabismus surgery in Turkey realigns the eye muscles, and at our partner ophthalmology hospitals it starts from €1,750 for one eye. In children the muscle position is set under general anaesthesia based on pre-operative measurements, but in adults surgeons sometimes use adjustable sutures, which allow the alignment to be refined after you wake up. Here is a realistic picture of what that involves and how the first weeks tend to unfold.
The process starts with an orthoptic exam and an eye muscle assessment, measuring how far the eyes deviate in different directions of gaze. These measurements decide which muscle is moved and by how much, and whether adjustable sutures are suitable in your case. Adults who have had misalignment since childhood sometimes also have little or no double vision, which the surgeon will want to discuss with you in advance.
The operation repositions the eye muscle, either weakening it (recession) or strengthening it (resection). With adjustable sutures, the muscle is secured with a loop that can be tightened or loosened within the first hours after surgery, while you are awake and able to look at targets. If the eyes are not quite straight, the surgeon makes a small change at the bedside, which can improve the precision of the final alignment. Your surgeon will tell you whether this approach fits your type of strabismus.
Expect a red, watery, scratchy eye and mild to moderate discomfort, managed with the medication and drops your clinic prescribes. Some patients notice double vision right away; it is common and is often the brain adjusting to a new eye position. Avoid rubbing the eye and keep it clean exactly as instructed.
The most visible sign during this stage is redness over the white of the eye, which can look dramatic but usually fades gradually over several weeks. Double vision may come and go as the eyes settle, and many people find it improves within days to a couple of weeks. Most clinics schedule a follow-up check before you fly, and the post-operative follow-up and medication are included in our package. Our strabismus recovery guide covers the same stretch week by week.
Your surgeon will confirm the alignment and healing at the follow-up visit, and then decide when it is safe to travel. Flying itself is not a problem for the eye, but you will receive instructions on drops, avoiding swimming and dusty environments, and whom to contact if something changes.
Redness and the sensation of a foreign body usually settle within a month or two, and the final alignment is judged once swelling and double vision have resolved. Most patients keep stable alignment long-term, though a small number need a further adjustment years later, especially if strabismus began in childhood. Contact your clinic promptly for worsening pain, a sudden drop in vision, increasing discharge, fever, or double vision that gets worse rather than better.
Can both eyes be operated on at the same time?
Yes, if both eyes need correction the surgeon can often address them in one operation, priced separately from single-eye surgery.
Will the double vision go away?
Temporary double vision is common after surgery and usually improves as the brain adapts. Your surgeon will explain what to expect in your case.
What does strabismus surgery cost in Turkey?
At our partner hospitals it starts from €1,750 for one eye, covering the orthoptic exam, surgery, surgeon and hospital fees, follow-up and medication. Full package details are here.
Ready to book your treatment? See pricing and details on our Strabismus Surgery page.
This page is general information, not medical advice. Suitability, technique and results are determined individually by a licensed surgeon.
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