Squint eye surgery, medically known as strabismus surgery, is a procedure designed to correct misaligned eyes. When a person has a squint (strabismus), their eyes do not point in the same direction—one may turn inward, outward, upward, or downward. This misalignment can affect both vision and appearance, leading to issues like double vision, eye strain, and even self-consciousness. Surgery helps by adjusting the eye muscles to restore proper alignment and improve coordination between the eyes.
Who Is a Candidate for Squint Eye Surgery?
This surgery is typically recommended for individuals who have not responded to non-surgical treatments such as glasses, eye patches, or vision therapy. Common candidates include:
Children with persistent squint – Early intervention can prevent long-term vision problems like amblyopia (lazy eye).
Adults with misaligned eyes – Even if the squint has been present for years, surgery can still improve alignment and comfort.
People experiencing double vision – Misalignment can cause the brain to receive conflicting images, leading to blurred or double vision.
Those with cosmetic concerns – Many patients seek surgery to improve their appearance and boost confidence.
Types of Squint Eye Surgery
There are different surgical approaches depending on the type and severity of the squint:
1. Recession Surgery
This involves weakening an overactive eye muscle by detaching it and reattaching it further back on the eyeball. This reduces its pulling strength, allowing the opposing muscles to work more effectively.
2. Resection Surgery
Here, a weak muscle is strengthened by removing a small section and reattaching it to the eyeball. This increases its tension, helping to pull the eye into proper alignment.
3. Adjustable Suture Surgery
In some cases, surgeons use temporary sutures that can be adjusted shortly after surgery (while the patient is awake) to fine-tune eye positioning for optimal results.
Preparing for Squint Eye Surgery
Before the procedure, patients undergo a thorough eye examination to assess muscle function and determine the best surgical approach. Key steps include:
Comprehensive eye tests – These measure the degree of misalignment and check for other vision problems.
Medical history review – The surgeon will ask about allergies, current medications, and previous eye conditions.
Pre-surgery instructions – Patients may need to stop certain medications (like blood thinners) and fast for several hours before the operation.
What Happens During the Surgery?
Squint surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia for children and local anesthesia (with sedation) for adults. The procedure follows these steps:
Anesthesia administration – Ensures the patient feels no pain during the operation.
Small incision in the eye’s outer layer – The surgeon accesses the eye muscles through a tiny cut in the conjunctiva (the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye).
Muscle adjustment – Depending on the case, muscles are either loosened (recession) or tightened (resection).
Closing the incision – Dissolvable stitches are used, so no removal is needed later.
The entire process typically takes between 30 to 90 minutes, depending on complexity.
Recovery After Squint Eye Surgery
Post-surgery care is crucial for optimal healing. Here’s what to expect:
First Few Days
Redness and swelling – The eyes may appear bloodshot and feel gritty or sore.
Mild discomfort – Over-the-counter pain relievers (like acetaminophen) can help.
Eye drops or ointment – Antibiotic drops prevent infection, while lubricating drops soothe dryness.
First Two Weeks
Avoid rubbing the eyes – This can disrupt healing.
No swimming or heavy exercise – Strenuous activity can increase eye pressure.
Follow-up visit – The surgeon checks healing progress and removes any non-dissolvable sutures if used.
Long-Term Recovery
Full healing takes 4–6 weeks – Vision may fluctuate during this time.
Possible double vision temporarily – The brain adjusts to the new eye alignment.
Final results visible after a few months – Some patients may need minor adjustments.
Potential Risks and Complications
While squint surgery is generally safe, possible risks include:
Overcorrection or undercorrection – Eyes may still be slightly misaligned, requiring additional treatment.
Double vision – Usually temporary but may persist in rare cases.
Infection or scarring – Uncommon but possible with any surgical procedure.
Reduced depth perception – Some patients may experience slight changes in 3D vision.
Success Rate and Long-Term Outcomes
Most patients (80–90%) achieve significantly improved eye alignment after surgery. Children often adapt quickly, while adults may take longer to adjust. In some cases, a second procedure is needed for fine-tuning.
Non-Surgical Alternatives
For those hesitant about surgery, other treatments include:
Vision therapy – Specialized exercises to strengthen eye coordination.
Prism glasses – Lenses that bend light to reduce double vision.
Botox injections – Temporarily weakens overactive muscles, offering short-term correction.
Conclusion
Squint eye surgery is a safe, effective solution for misaligned eyes, offering both functional and cosmetic benefits. Whether for a child or an adult, the procedure can significantly improve quality of life by enhancing vision and boosting confidence. If you or a loved one has a squint, consulting an ophthalmologist can help determine the best treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is squint surgery painful?
Most patients report mild discomfort rather than severe pain. Anesthesia ensures a pain-free procedure, and any post-surgery soreness is manageable with medication.
2. Can adults benefit from squint surgery?
Yes! Adults often see great improvements in both vision and appearance, even if they’ve had a squint for years.
3. Will I still need glasses after surgery?
Surgery corrects muscle alignment, not refractive errors like nearsightedness. Glasses may still be necessary for clear vision.
4. How long do results last?
For most, the correction is permanent. However, some cases (especially in children) may require follow-up procedures as they grow.
Related topics:
6 Eye Surgeries for Severe Astigmatism: What Are Your Options?
Can Eye Surgery Correct Astigmatism? All You Need to Know
How to Treat Strabismus? A Complete Guide
