Does lower eyelid surgery causes strabismus?

Strabismus or "crossed eyes" is a recognized complication following blepharoplasty.  The cause can be either due to postop swelling in which case the strabismus will resolve as the edema dissipates or it can be due to direct injury to one of the extraocular eye muscles that control eye position and movement in which case the strabismus may or may not recover depending on the degree of injury.  Fortunately, permanent strabismus is uncommon following eyelid surgery.  Time will tell.Mario J. Imola, MD, DDS, FRCSC, FACS.