I think I need eye surgery in a foreign country

[anxiouspaolo]

I have a lazy eye. Basically, my left eye is pointing the other direction which can be confusing to people who I meet for the first time. I’ve been told countless of times that people don’t know which direction I’m looking at. I think I need to get some eye surgery done with this cause it’s been bothering me for a long time. I’ve been told that there’s a foreign country that offers cheaper rates in eye care compared here in the states. Any suggestions?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

You should know what you are getting into. Having surgery in a foreign country is called medical tourism. It's not a good idea at all for eye surgery as you will need months and months of follow-up. You may need more surgery during the first year.  Moreover eye surgeons in your home town are not going to be anxious and may refuse to take care of you since you had the surgery done elsewhere.
The surgery has many possible adverse side effects. Your eyes will likely not track normally since they have never, or at least for many years, been straight. That leads to the muscle that moves the eye outward (lateral rectus muscle) becoming contracted and tight and the eye muscle that moves the eye inward toward the nose stretched and weak.   When the image from the deviated eye is moved closer to the other eye you may experience constant double vision that can be disabling.
If you feel strongly about this seek out a eye MD ophthalmologist that specializes in strabismus (eye muscle problems) they are often called pediatric ophthalmologists but most treat adults. They can also talk to you about adjustable sutures and botox injections.   Don't look for bargains in eye surgery and be very careful you understand the considerable risks of this surgery.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Your profile says you live in Atlanta.  Emory U Dept of Ophthalmology is among the best in the nation.  Make an appointment with their strabismus specialist.   Dr. Peragallo might be a good choice    http://www.eyecenter.emory.edu/faculty/peragallo.htm