About Arif Khan, <B>MD</B> Expertise I am an assistant professor of ophthalmology at the Mount Sinai Medical
Center in New York City. I practice all aspects of ophthalmology (medical
and surgical treatment of the eye) in both children and adults, but I have
subspeciality training and interest in pediatric ophthalmology and
strabismus.
Question My 9 month old son was diagnosed with Duane syndrome. He cannot look to left with his left eye. I have searched the web since he was diagnosed and i can't find any info on surgical procedures. I think there is a doctor at UCLA that may be performing surgery. Also, what institutions are leading the way in Duane research? Note : Below is the answer from a Dr. Marc Taub OD, informing me about some surgical procedure (unless he is refering to heart surgery from cardiac problems)His response is for another parent's early question about Duane. I would have addressed my question to Dr. Taub but i am unable to reach him.
Please respond and thank you very much for your help.
-Doug
Answer
It is a congenital defect in the wiring of the 6 and third cranial nerves. Some surgical procedures can be performed to reduce one aspect of the syndrome but there is no ultimate surgery. People with this problem often have very good vision. This problem while cosmetically an issue generally will not change the lifestyle of the patient. One point of concern is that this condition can be associated with systemic issues such as cardiac problems. Please speak to your pediatrician about this and get a full workup to rule out these concerns.
Marc Taub OD
Answer Patients with Duane syndrome do not undergo surgery unless they have a significant abnormal head position or significant cosmetic issues. Any qualified pediatric ophthalmologist can handle Duane syndrome - it does not require a research institute. Most of the research ongoing regarding Duane syndrome is regarding genetics and etiology, not therapeutics. Duane syndrome is not specifically associated with cardiac disease. Although other problems have been associated with Duane syndrome, usually there is no associated problem. The most common congenital abnormality associated with Duane syndrome is hearing loss.
To find a qualified pediatric ophthalmologist, check the website www.aapos.org
