Squint Surgery

Squint is a condition where the motion of the eyes is not synchronized. They point in a different direction, almost opposite to each other. Squint eye surgery is a common eye operation to treat squint.

Squint Surgery - Overview

Squint is medically known as Strabismus. It is a condition where the motion of the eyes is not synchronized. They point in a different direction, almost opposite to each other. Squint eye surgery is a common eye operation to treat squint. This procedure involves tightening of muscle around the eyes so that the normal motion of the eyes is restored.

This surgery is beneficial for children or adults with delicate eyes.

This surgery changes the position of the eye muscles. After the surgery, both the eyes focus on the same point at the same time.

There are three types of squints:

Convergent squint: when one eye turns inwards.

Divergent squint: when one eye turns outwards.

Vertical squint: when the eye may turn up or down.

Squint Surgery - Symptoms

Some babies are born with squints, known as congenital or infantile squint.
Some children develop squint, which is known as acquired squint.
Acquired squint may be caused, by the eye attempting to overcome a vision problem, such as short-sightedness or long-sightedness.
Genetic factor also plays a part in causing many squints.
Rarely, a squint may be caused by a condition in the eye itself.

Squint Surgery - Pre-Procedure

The doctor may perform a few tests to check whether the patient is in optimum health to undergo the surgery or not.
Stop using medications such as NSAIDs, blood-thinning agents, vitamin, and mineral supplements at least one week before the surgery.
The doctor may prescribe eye drops and other eye preparations before the surgery.
Minimum 8 hours NPO (no food and liquid intake) is required before the surgery.
A patient suffering from diabetes and hypertension should consult a specific doctor before surgery.
On the day of surgery, do not apply any creams, moisturizers, or lotions over the skin.

Squint Surgery - During Procedure

Squint surgery will be performed under General anesthesia. It will be a day-care procedure.
After making the patient asleep, the skin around the eyes and surface of the eye will be cleaned with disinfectant (betadine).
Then eyelids will be held apart with the help of a small clamp and the eye will be rotated so that the muscle that is to be operated is accessible.
Small incisions will be made in the conjunctiva (a thin layer of white tissues lying over the muscles).
Then eye muscles will be separated or removed from their original position and attached to a new position so that there are no signs of squint eye when muscles heal.
Then the muscle will be reattached to the eyewall with the help of dissolvable sutures (stitches).

Squint Surgery - Post-Procedure

After surgery, a cotton pad will be placed on the eye for a day.
The eye may feel sore for a few days.
The patient might have itchy or red eyes, and double vision, which will last generally for a week.
The doctor will prescribe certain medications to relieve the conditions.

Squint Surgery - Risk & Complications

Reactions to anesthesia.
Dizziness
Diminishes brain functions
Pneumonia
Retinal detachment
Eye Infections like conjunctivitis, which can be cured by using antibiotic eye drops.
Loss of sight after squint surgery is very rare.
Double vision is common after squint surgery. The patient may need further surgery for double vision.