What is the procedure called that "strengthens" an extraocular muscle?

Resection is the procedure that "strengthens" an extraocular muscle by removing a portion of the muscle itself. This technique is often used in strabismus surgery to reposition the muscle, allowing it to exert a stronger pull on the eye and thus improve alignment. By shortening the muscle through resection, the overall effect is to increase its strength relative to other muscles, making it more effective in controlling eye movement, particularly in cases of muscle imbalance.

This procedure is particularly useful when the muscle is overacting or when there is a need for improved convergence or alignment in the visual axis. The precise amount of muscle removed is carefully determined based on the degree of misalignment and the specific needs of the patient, ensuring that the desired ocular movement is achieved post-operatively.

Other options might involve adjusting the position or function of the muscle without increasing its strength in the same manner. For instance, recession involves moving the muscle insertion point back on the eye, which can weaken its effect, while plication refers to folding the muscle to augment its function without a full resection. Understanding these specifics is crucial for grasping the nuances of strabismus surgery and how different procedures affect muscle dynamics.