Which part of the eye is surgically addressed for congenital strabismus?

Congenital strabismus, which is the misalignment of the eyes present at birth, typically involves surgical intervention targeting the eye muscles. The rationale behind this is that strabismus arises when the eye muscles do not function in harmony, leading to the affected eye deviating from proper alignment and gaze.

During surgery for congenital strabismus, an ophthalmologist may adjust the tension or location of the extraocular muscles that control eye movement. By strengthening or weakening these muscles, the surgeon aims to restore proper alignment and improve binocular vision, enhancing the patient's ability to use both eyes together effectively.

The lens, cornea, and optic nerve are not the primary structures involved in treating strabismus. While they play crucial roles in overall vision, they do not directly contribute to the muscle coordination or alignment issues characteristic of strabismus. Thus, addressing the eye muscles is essential in the surgical correction of this condition.