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What Is Jensen's Procedure?

Jensen's procedure is a type of strabismus surgery used to help correct eye misalignment caused by weak outward eye movement, often from sixth nerve palsy. The surgery shifts some pulling force from the vertical eye muscles toward the lateral rectus muscle to improve abduction (outward movement). It is one of several ?transposition? techniques used when a standard muscle tightening or loosening would not fully address the problem. Surgeons choose the exact approach based on the pattern of misalignment and the health of the eye muscles. As with any eye muscle surgery, follow-up visits track alignment and healing.

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What Is Jensen's Procedure?

Jensen's procedure is a type of strabismus surgery used to help correct eye misalignment caused by weak outward eye movement, often from sixth nerve palsy. The surgery shifts some pulling force from the vertical eye muscles toward the lateral rectus muscle to improve abduction (outward movement). It is one of several ?transposition? techniques used when a standard muscle tightening or loosening would not fully address the problem. Surgeons choose the exact approach based on the pattern of misalignment and the health of the eye muscles. As with any eye muscle surgery, follow-up visits track alignment and healing.

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Why Is Jensen's Procedure Done?

Jensen's procedure is mainly used when an eye cannot move outward well, which can lead to an inward turn and double vision. This pattern often happens with an abducens (sixth) nerve palsy, but similar limits in movement can occur in other complex strabismus cases. By redirecting muscle force, the procedure aims to improve eye position in primary gaze and reduce head turning used to compensate. The goal is better binocular alignment, not perfect movement in every direction. A strabismus specialist decides if transposition surgery fits the case after a full motility exam.

What Are Common Conditions Treated With Jensen's Procedure?

Jensen's procedure is considered in specific strabismus patterns where outward movement is limited.

  • Sixth nerve palsy with an inward turning eye and poor abduction.
  • Long-standing eye movement restriction where standard recession-resection surgery is not enough.
  • Some cases of complex strabismus after trauma or orbital surgery.
  • Select cases of restrictive strabismus where transposition is planned as part of a broader strategy.
  • Persistent diplopia in primary gaze related to severe abduction loss.

How Is Jensen's Procedure Performed?

In a classic Jensen approach, the surgeon splits the superior and inferior rectus muscles and connects the lateral halves to the lateral rectus to shift force toward abduction. The exact technique can vary, and some surgeons use a ?partial? version to reduce blood-flow risk to the front of the eye. The operation is done under anesthesia, and the eye muscles are accessed through the conjunctiva. After surgery, alignment is checked and medicines are used to reduce inflammation and infection risk. Because the procedure changes how several muscles share force, careful surgical planning is important.

What Is Recovery Like After Jensen's Procedure?

Most patients have redness, soreness, and a scratchy feeling for the first week or two. Double vision can change as the brain adapts to the new alignment, and this can take weeks. Activity limits are common early on, especially for swimming or contact sports, to lower infection risk. Alignment may shift slightly as swelling settles, so follow-up visits are used to track results. Some patients need additional treatment, such as prism glasses or another surgery, if misalignment persists.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jensen's Procedure

Is Jensen's Procedure The Same As Hummelsheim Surgery?

No. Both are transposition surgeries used for poor abduction, but the muscle-splitting and attachment pattern differs. A surgeon chooses the technique based on eye movement testing, the size of the deviation, and blood-flow concerns. Your strabismus specialist can explain why one method fits better for your case.

What Are Possible Risks Of Jensen's Procedure?

Risks include undercorrection or overcorrection, which can leave some double vision. As with other eye muscle surgeries, infection and scarring are possible, though uncommon. Because multiple rectus muscles are involved, surgeons also watch for reduced blood supply to the front of the eye in higher-risk patients.

Will Jensen's Procedure Fix Double Vision Right Away?

Not always. Some people notice improvement quickly, but others have temporary double vision while swelling goes down and the brain adjusts. If double vision persists, prism glasses or vision therapy may help in certain cases. Follow-up visits help guide next steps.

How Long Does Eye Alignment Take To Settle After Jensen's Procedure?

Alignment often changes over the first several weeks as swelling resolves and the muscles heal. Many surgeons recheck alignment around one week, then again at several weeks to a few months. If the eye position is still drifting after healing, the care team may discuss prisms or an additional procedure. Prompt follow-up is also needed if pain, swelling, or vision changes get worse.

References

1. Transposition Surgeries in Strabismus. EyeWiki (American Academy of Ophthalmology). https://eyewiki.org/Transposition_Surgeries_in_Strabismus. Accessed January 29, 2026.

2. Abducens Nerve Palsy. EyeWiki (American Academy of Ophthalmology). https://eyewiki.org/Abducens_Nerve_Palsy. Accessed January 29, 2026.

3. Strabismus: Sixth Nerve Palsy. American Academy of Ophthalmology (EyeWiki/AAO). https://www.aao.org/education/disease-review/strabismus-sixth-nerve-palsy. Accessed January 29, 2026.

4. Abducens Nerve Palsy. StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482177/. Accessed January 29, 2026.

5. A partial Jensen procedure for abduction deficiency. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21544059/. Accessed January 29, 2026.