Strabismus (Squint Surgery)

Strabismus, commonly known as squint, is a condition where the eyes are misaligned and do not look in the same direction simultaneously. This can affect vision development, depth perception, and overall eye coordination. Strabismus surgery is performed to correct eye alignment, improve visual function, and enhance cosmetic appearance.

Understanding Strabismus

In a normal visual system, both eyes work together to focus on the same target, providing depth perception and binocular vision. Strabismus occurs when the eye muscles do not function in harmony, causing one eye to turn inward, outward, upward, or downward. This condition can be constant or intermittent and may affect one or both eyes.

Causes of Strabismus

• Congenital factors – present at birth due to abnormal eye muscle development.
• Refractive errors – uncorrected vision problems causing eye misalignment.
• Neurological conditions – affecting the nerves that control eye movement.
• Trauma or injury – damage to eye muscles or nerves.

Indications for Surgery

Strabismus surgery is considered when non-surgical treatments, such as glasses or vision therapy, are insufficient to correct the eye alignment. Surgery helps restore binocular vision, prevent amblyopia (lazy eye), and improve cosmetic appearance. Early intervention, especially in children, is crucial for optimal visual development.

Surgical Procedure

Strabismus surgery involves adjusting the tension or position of the eye muscles to align the eyes correctly. The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia in children and local anesthesia in adults. Key steps include:

• Making a small incision on the surface of the eye.
• Repositioning, strengthening, or weakening specific eye muscles.
• Closing the incision, usually without the need for stitches.

Recovery and Post-Operative Care

Most patients experience mild discomfort and redness after surgery, which improves within a few days. Recovery care includes:

• Using prescribed eye drops or ointments to prevent infection and inflammation.
• Avoiding rubbing or pressing on the eyes.
• Attending follow-up visits to monitor healing and eye alignment.

Benefits of Strabismus Surgery

• Corrected eye alignment and improved binocular vision.
• Prevention of amblyopia (lazy eye) in children.
• Enhanced cosmetic appearance and self-confidence.
• Improved depth perception and coordination.

Safety and Success Rate

Strabismus surgery is generally safe and highly effective when performed by experienced ophthalmic surgeons. Success rates are high, and most patients achieve improved alignment and functional vision. In some cases, minor adjustments or additional surgery may be needed to achieve optimal results.