R R

What Is Medial Rectus Recession?

Medial rectus recession is a strabismus surgery that weakens the medial rectus muscle by moving its insertion farther back on the sclera. This reduces the muscle's inward pull and helps straighten eyes that turn in, a pattern called esotropia. The amount of recession is planned from careful measurements of the deviation. Surgery can be done on one or both eyes and is often combined with work on other muscles. The aim is better eye alignment for clearer single vision and improved appearance.

Link to This Resource Page

Provide a valuable resource to your clients or customers by linking to this resource page. Just place the following link on your website.

To display this...

What Is Medial Rectus Recession?

Medial rectus recession is a strabismus surgery that weakens the medial rectus muscle by moving its insertion farther back on the sclera. This reduces the muscle's inward pull and helps straighten eyes that turn in, a pattern called esotropia. The amount of recession is planned from careful measurements of the deviation. Surgery can be done on one or both eyes and is often combined with work on other muscles. The aim is better eye alignment for clearer single vision and improved appearance.

read more about medial rectus recession ...

Copy this HTML:

Copy HTML Copied!

Indications for Medial Rectus Recession

Medial rectus recession is commonly used for infantile esotropia that appears in early childhood. It is also used for acquired esotropia that does not improve enough with glasses or prisms. People with neurologic disease or high hyperopia can need this procedure when inward turning remains large and bothersome. The goal is to reduce the angle of deviation so the eyes work together more comfortably. In some plans, recession is paired with resection or recession of other horizontal muscles.

How Medial Rectus Recession Is Performed

During surgery, a small incision is made in the conjunctiva to expose the medial rectus muscle. The muscle is secured with sutures, detached from its original scleral insertion, and then reattached farther back at a planned distance. Absorbable or nonabsorbable sutures are used, and in some cases adjustable sutures permit fine tuning of alignment shortly after surgery. The conjunctiva is then closed and the surface is irrigated. Antibiotic and anti inflammatory drops are started after the procedure.

Recovery and Possible Risks

After surgery, it is common to have redness, mild pain, and a scratchy feeling for several days. The eye can look bloodshot, and there may be temporary swelling of the lids or conjunctiva. Most patients see alignment improve early, though the final result is judged after the tissues settle. Small undercorrections or overcorrections can occur and sometimes are managed with prisms or additional surgery. Rare risks include infection, scleral perforation, slipped muscle, or anterior segment ischemia when several muscles are operated on.

Long-Term Results and Follow-Up

Most people keep better alignment over the long term, especially when refractive error is also corrected. In children, changes in growth and fusion can still shift alignment over time, so regular eye checks are important. Some patients need further surgery if a deviation reappears or changes direction. Adults are followed for comfort, stability of eye position, and control of double vision. Written instructions help families know when to return sooner for problems such as severe pain, vision loss, or discharge.

FAQs About Medial Rectus Recession

Is medial rectus recession painful?

Some discomfort, scratchiness, and redness are common for a few days, but pain is usually manageable with simple medication. Most patients feel better within about a week.

Will I still need glasses after medial rectus recession?

Surgery aligns the eyes but does not correct refractive error, so glasses or contact lenses are often still needed for clear vision.

Can the eyes drift again after surgery?

Alignment can change as a child grows or as control of deviation varies, and some patients need prisms or repeat surgery later in life.

How soon can I go back to normal activities after surgery?

Many people return to light activities within a few days, but swimming, heavy exercise, and eye rubbing are usually restricted for a couple of weeks, based on the surgeon's advice.

References

American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS). ?Strabismus Surgery.? https://aapos.org/glossary/strabismus-surgery

American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). ?Strabismus Surgery: Medial Rectus Recession (Fixed Suture Hang-Back).? https://www.aao.org/basic-skills/strabismus-surgery-medial-rectus-recession-fixed-s

University of Iowa, EyeRounds. ?Medial Rectus Recession ? Limbal Approach.? https://webeye.ophth.uiowa.edu/eyeforum/video/PediatricOphth-Strabismus-vids/medial-rectus-recession.htm

PubMed. ?Long-term Results of Bilateral Medial Rectus Recession for Congenital Esotropia.? https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15609520/

EyeWiki (American Academy of Ophthalmology). ?Strabismus Surgery Complications.? https://eyewiki.org/Strabismus_Surgery_Complications