Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Padding of the eye after Strabismus surgery is a routine procedure; however, its role after surgery is not clear. OBJECTIVE: To compare postoperative pain and other physiological parameters in padded versus nonpadded eyes after strabismus surgery under general anesthesia. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, observational study. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and twelve patients (224 eyes) in the age group of 5-15 years were enrolled over 18 months. However, 12 patients were lost to follow-up. METHODS: Eyes were randomly distributed to either the padding group or the nonpadding group. Parameters studied on day 1, at 1 week, and at 4 weeks postoperatively included pain, congestion, conjunctival chemosis, subconjunctival hemorrhage, and lid edema. RESULTS: In the early postoperative period, pain and conjunctival congestion were significantly higher in the padded eye compared to the nonpadded eye (P = 0.001). There was no significant difference in other parameters. No complications, such as dellen formation, wound gaping, or infection, were noted in any patient. Surgery on the inferior oblique muscle was associated with more pain and congestion compared to other muscles. CONCLUSION: Postoperative padding of the eye after strabismus surgery results in greater pain and conjunctival congestion.