Squint surgery is an effective treatment for strabismus. Strabismus is a vision condition in which both the eyes do not point in the same direction. Other terms for strabismus are wandering eye, squint, lazy eye or crossed eye. When an eye turns inward, it is an esotropia or a convergent squint. If it turns outward, it is an exotropia or a divergent squint. If an eye deviates upward, it is a hypertropia or vertical squint. This article gives information about squint surgery.
Functions of Squint surgery
It has following functions:
- Eliminates double vision
- Improves three dimensional vision
- Improves psychological function
- Eliminates an abnormal head posture
- Improves vocational status
Strabismus surgery is known as reconstructive surgery. It helps in changing an abnormal condition to normal.
What does Squint surgery involve
- This surgery is carried out under a general anaesthesia. It is a one day procedure.
- During surgery eyes are not taken out, the eye muscles lie underneath the conjunctiva.
- In order to straighten your eye, the surgeon will use both muscle weakening and strengthening procedures.
- Most adult squint surgery use adjustable stitch technique.
- After the surgery, eyes of the patient will be red and uncomfortable for two to three weeks.
- Do not wet your eyes for four to five days after the surgery.
- Avoid swimming for two to three weeks after the surgery.
- A surgeon may prescribe antibiotics and anti-inflammatory eye drops after surgery to reduce inflammation and prevent infection.
Risks of Squint surgery
Risks associated with strabismus surgery are very rare which include:
- Perforation of eye outer coat occurs in between 0.5%-2.5% of surgeries. This complication can very rarely cause infection to the eyeball or result in retinal detachment.
- Muscle can be lost if it is not tied properly to the eye’s outer coat. This complication is mostly seen in redo patients.
- Usually patients who have had a poor vision in the eye and a squint since childhood will not have 3-dimensional vision. They cannot use their eyes together, even after their eyes have been straightened after the surgery.
