Purpose: To evaluate the incidence and clinical outcomes of complications following strabismus surgery in a provincial hospital over a 5-year period.
Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of 120 consecutive strabismus surgeries performed at the University Hospital Center of Beni Mellal, Morocco, between January 2019 and December 2024. Complications were predefined and categorized as minor, moderate, or severe. All patients underwent standardized follow-up at day 1, week 1, and months 1, 3, 6, and 12.
Results: Fifteen patients (12.5%) developed complications. Minor events (n = 11; 9.2%) included transient chemosis, subconjunctival hemorrhage, and conjunctival hyperemia, all of which resolved spontaneously. One patient (0.8%) developed a Tenon’s cyst, requiring surgical excision. Severe complications occurred in three patients (2.5%): one slipped muscle, one postoperative infection, and one scleral perforation. All severe events required clinical intervention but were successfully managed without permanent visual loss.
Conclusions: In this 5-year case series, the incidence of major complications was 2.5%, consistent with rates reported in the literature. While strabismus surgery is generally safe, rare but serious adverse events can occur. Careful surgical technique, close trainee supervision, standardized follow-up, and prompt intervention remain essential to optimize safety and outcomes.