About Fadel - Strabismus Surgery Patient

Hi, I'm Fadel, and I had strabismus surgery in 2025.

If you're reading this, you're probably where I was not too long ago: researching obsessively, anxious about surgery, wondering if it's worth it, and looking for someone who actually understands what you're going through.

I created Life After Strabismus because I couldn't find what I needed when I was preparing for my own surgery. Most information online was either too clinical or too vague. I wanted real talk from someone who had been through it. So now, I'm trying to be that person for you.

My Strabismus Story

I've had strabismus since I was 10 years old, caused by a trauma that also left a wound on my retina. That eye has about 3/10 vision, and when I use only that eye, I can literally see the scar. It looks like a Nike symbol. Maybe they should sponsor me.

Here's the amazing thing about the brain: when I use both eyes together, I don't see the blind spot at all. The brain's fusion ability compensates for it completely. Our visual system is truly remarkable.

The strabismus itself was exotropia, an outward drift of that eye. It affected my confidence for years. I avoided photos, felt self-conscious in conversations, and always wondered if people were looking at my eyes instead of listening to what I was saying.

After years of living with it, I finally decided to do something about it.

Before & After

Here's my transformation. You can see my exotropia (outward drift) before surgery, the early healing at 1 week, and the final result at 6 months.

My Surgery Details

• Year: 2025
• Location: East Tallinn Central Hospital Eye Clinic, Estonia
• Procedure: Surgery on two muscles (lateral rectus and medial rectus)
• What they did: Weakened the outside muscle, strengthened the inside muscle
• Sutures: None (no adjustable sutures needed)
• Result: Successful alignment

My Recovery Experience

The first week was the hardest. Not because of pain, but because of the discharge and discomfort. Every morning I woke up with sticky eyes that needed careful cleaning. Moving my eyes left or right felt strange because the operated muscles were healing.

By week three, I was back to my normal routine: work, computer, phone, everything. The only restriction was no gym for two months.

The peak results came around four months. That's when I felt like my eyes had truly stabilized and my brain had fully adapted to the new alignment.

Why I Created This Site

When I was researching strabismus surgery, I found plenty of medical websites with clinical information. But I couldn't find what I really needed:

• What does recovery actually feel like, day by day?
• How long until I look normal again?
• What should I prepare before surgery?
• Is the emotional journey as hard as people say?
• Real before and after photos from actual patients

I created Life After Strabismus to answer all of these questions. Every article on this site includes my personal experience alongside researched information. Because I believe you deserve both: the facts and the real human perspective.

What You'll Find Here

This site covers everything related to adult strabismus:

• Understanding your condition
• Surgery costs and insurance
• Recovery timelines (week by week)
• Finding the right surgeon
• Emotional support and confidence building
• Practical tips from someone who has been there

A Note About Medical Advice

I'm not a doctor. Everything on this site is based on my personal experience and research. It's meant to inform and support you, not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified ophthalmologist or strabismus specialist for decisions about your own treatment.

Connect With Me

If you have questions or just want to talk to someone who understands, feel free to reach out. You can book a consultation or join my newsletter for ongoing support and new articles.

You're not alone in this journey. I've been where you are, and I'm here to help.

— Fadel