Question

Pam's daughter is born cross-eyed. As she grows, the problem does not improve. Her physician suggests cutting an eye muscle to bring the eyes into a more normal position. Which muscle will the doctor cut?

A) inferior rectus
B) lateral rectus
C) medial rectus
D) superior rectus
E) superior oblique

Answer 1

The medial rectus muscle is typically the one adjusted during surgery to correct cross-eyed (strabismus) condition in patients like Pam's daughter.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the case of Pam's daughter being cross-eyed, also known as strabismus, the involved eye muscles are those that control horizontal movement, which are the medial and lateral rectus muscles. For inward deviation of the eye (esotropia), which is a common form of being cross-eyed, the medial rectus muscle is typically the one considered for surgical intervention. During the procedure, the surgeon will either resect (shorten) or recess (move backward) the muscle in order to realign the eyes. The specific muscle to be adjusted would be determined by an ophthalmologist following a thorough examination.