(In this section, only the essential
instruments for strabismus surgery are shown. Needles and needles holder
are not shown here. In general, the needles used are the spatula type to
avoid perforation of the globe. The sutures used are usually the absorbable
types such as vircyl and size 6/0)
Moorfields forceps. The grooves at the tip are designed
for grasping the slippery conjunctival surface with minimal trauma.
Westcott's scissors. The curved and blunt tips allows
easy dissection of the Tenon's capsule from the sclera with little risk
of perforating the scleral wall.
There are many different designs of muscle hooks. In
general, only two types of hooks are required. The standard hooks (as shown
above) and one that spread the muscle such as Chavasse.
The standard hook has an acute angle and can be passed
easily into a small space created by the tenotomy. The round tip allows
the hook to slide easily along the scleral surface.
Helveston hooks
Chavasse hook
The hooks shown here are designed to spread the rectus
muscle.
The horizontal inner surface (in the case of Chavasse
an undulating surface) allows spreading of the muscle so that sutures can
be passed easily and tied on either sides
of the isolated muscles.
w
Bulldog clamp. It is used to clip the suture to avoid
entanglement with the other suture or tissues during operation.
Caliper with pointed tips. The pointed tips are useful
for making imprints on the sclera.
