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Eye Muscle Surgery in Vietnam: Costs, Procedure & Hospitals

May 29, 2025 admin 0 Comments

Eye Muscle Surgery, also known as strabismus surgery, is a specialized ophthalmic procedure designed to correct misalignment of the eyes. For many patients, this surgery not only improves vision but also restores confidence and quality of life. Vietnam has rapidly become a trusted destination for eye care, offering world-class facilities, internationally trained ophthalmologists, and highly competitive prices compared to Western countries.

In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about Eye Muscle Surgery in Vietnam—what the procedure involves, who can benefit, where to undergo surgery, and what costs and recovery look like.

What Is Eye Muscle Surgery?

Eye muscle surgery is performed to adjust the strength or position of the extraocular muscles—the six small muscles that control eye movement. When one or more of these muscles do not function properly, the eyes may not align, leading to conditions such as strabismus (crossed eyes) or diplopia (double vision).

Key Goals of Eye Muscle Surgery

  • Straighten the eyes for cosmetic and functional purposes.

  • Improve binocular vision (using both eyes together).

  • Reduce or eliminate double vision.

  • Enhance depth perception.

Who Needs Eye Muscle Surgery?

Eye muscle surgery is usually recommended for patients with:

  1. Strabismus (crossed eyes or misaligned eyes)

    • Congenital strabismus (present at birth).

    • Acquired strabismus from trauma, stroke, or nerve damage.

  2. Double Vision (Diplopia)

    • Caused by misalignment of the eyes.

  3. Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

    • In some cases, surgery may be combined with vision therapy.

  4. Cosmetic Concerns

    • Even when vision is unaffected, patients often seek surgery for improved appearance and confidence.

Types of Eye Muscle Surgery

There are different surgical approaches depending on the condition:

1. Recession

  • The surgeon detaches the muscle and reattaches it further back on the eye.

  • Purpose: Weakens the muscle’s pulling strength.

2. Resection

  • A small segment of the muscle is removed, and the shortened muscle is reattached.

  • Purpose: Strengthens the muscle’s pulling power.

3. Adjustable Sutures

  • Used primarily in adults.

  • The surgeon places adjustable stitches, allowing fine-tuning of eye position after surgery.

4. Combined Procedures

  • Often, more than one muscle is adjusted during the same surgery to achieve proper alignment.

The Procedure: Step-by-Step

Patients traveling to Vietnam for eye muscle surgery can expect the following:

1. Preoperative Consultation

  • Detailed eye exam, including measurement of eye alignment.

  • Tests for binocular vision and double vision.

  • Medical history review.

2. During Surgery

  • Typically performed under general anesthesia for children and local anesthesia with sedation for adults.

  • A small incision is made on the conjunctiva (the clear membrane covering the white of the eye).

  • The muscle is repositioned using either recession, resection, or both.

  • No external scar is visible after healing.

  • Surgery usually takes 30–90 minutes, depending on complexity.

3. Recovery

  • Patients can usually return home the same day.

  • Eyes may appear red for 1–2 weeks.

  • Vision stabilizes over the following weeks.

  • Follow-up appointments ensure proper healing and alignment.

urgeon performing eye muscle surgery in a modern operating room in Vietnam.

Eye Muscle Surgery in Vietnam – Restoring clear vision and confidence

Benefits of Eye Muscle Surgery

  • Improved eye alignment: Restores a natural appearance.

  • Enhanced vision: Better depth perception and binocular function.

  • Reduced double vision: Especially important for adults.

  • Psychological benefits: Boost in self-confidence and social comfort.

Risks and Complications

Although generally safe, potential risks include:

  • Under-correction or over-correction (may require further adjustment).

  • Infection (rare with antibiotics).

  • Double vision immediately after surgery (usually temporary).

  • Scarring or need for repeat surgery.

Choosing a reputable hospital in Vietnam greatly reduces these risks.

Cost of Eye Muscle Surgery in Vietnam

Vietnam is known for offering high-quality medical care at affordable prices.

  • Average cost in Vietnam: USD $1,200 – $2,500 per surgery

  • Compared to other countries:

    • USA: $5,000 – $7,500

    • Singapore: $3,000 – $5,000

    • Thailand: $2,000 – $3,500

The price in Vietnam typically covers:

  • Preoperative consultation and diagnostic tests.

  • Anesthesia and surgery.

  • Hospital stay (day surgery).

  • Medications and follow-up visits.

Best Hospitals for Eye Muscle Surgery in Vietnam

1. Vinmec International Hospital (Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City)

  • JCI-accredited with advanced ophthalmology departments.

  • Internationally trained surgeons.

  • Modern facilities and English-speaking staff.

2. FV Hospital (Ho Chi Minh City)

  • French-run hospital with ISO accreditation.

  • Strong reputation among expatriates and medical tourists.

  • Comprehensive ophthalmology services including pediatric strabismus surgery.

3. Tam Anh Hospital (Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City)

  • State-of-the-art eye care center.

  • Specialists experienced in adult and pediatric eye muscle surgery.

  • Personalized care and interpreter services.

4. Ho Chi Minh City Eye Hospital

  • Largest public eye hospital in southern Vietnam.

  • High surgical volume with experienced surgeons.

  • Cost-effective choice for patients on a budget.

Recovery and Aftercare

  • First few days: Redness, mild discomfort, or foreign body sensation.

  • Return to normal activities: Usually within 3–5 days.

  • No swimming or strenuous activity for at least 2 weeks.

  • Follow-up visits: To check alignment and healing.

  • Children may require vision therapy after surgery for best results.

Why Choose Vietnam for Eye Muscle Surgery?

  1. Affordable Costs – Up to 70% lower than in Western countries.

  2. International Standards – Modern hospitals with ISO or JCI accreditation.

  3. Highly Skilled Surgeons – Many trained in Europe, the US, or Japan.

  4. Medical Tourism-Friendly – Hospitals provide interpreter services and packages for international patients.

  5. Tourism Opportunities – Combine treatment with sightseeing in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or coastal cities like Da Nang.

Patient Testimonials

International patients who underwent eye muscle surgery in Vietnam often highlight:

  • Professionalism and friendliness of staff.

  • Significant improvements in both appearance and vision.

  • Smooth coordination for international patients, from airport pickup to follow-up care.

Conclusion

Eye Muscle Surgery in Vietnam offers an ideal combination of quality care, affordable pricing, and modern medical facilities. Whether you are seeking treatment for strabismus in children or corrective surgery for double vision as an adult, Vietnam provides world-class solutions at a fraction of the cost compared to many other countries.

If you are considering eye muscle surgery abroad, Vietnam should be at the top of your list for 2025.