What is a potentially serious complication associated with strabismus surgery?

Scleral perforation is indeed a potentially serious complication associated with strabismus surgery. This procedure involves manipulating the extraocular muscles and the sclera (the white part of the eye), which presents a risk for damaging the scleral tissue. If the sclera is inadvertently perforated during surgery, it can lead to significant complications such as retinal detachment, hemorrhage within the eye, or endophthalmitis, which is an inflammation of the interior of the eye.

The risk of scleral perforation emphasizes the importance of meticulous surgical technique and proper patient selection during strabismus surgery. Surgeons must be keenly aware of the anatomical structures they are working around and be prepared to manage any complications that may arise during such delicate procedures. Understanding this risk is crucial for surgical assistants to provide appropriate support and care for the patient before, during, and after the surgery.