Squint Eye Surgery Recovery Time

Squint eye surgery is used to treat patients with a squint if other non-surgical treatments fail to help them. The squint eye surgery recovery takes some days, after which the patient can return to their normal routine. In this surgical procedure, the doctor moves the eye muscles to correct the misalignment so that proper alignment and vision of the patient's eyes are restored.

Once moved to the new position, the muscles are stitched up using dissolvable stitches. The entire surgical procedure will take around 30 minutes to an hour. Once the surgery is completed, the patient may be discharged on the same day.

Just like any other surgery, patients who undergo squint eye surgery also take some time to recover. However, the results of squint eye surgery before and after may vary as some patients may require vision therapy post-surgery.

The total squint eye surgery recovery time is usually around 3 to 12 weeks. During this recovery period, the eye and the muscles controlling the eye movements undergo changes resulting in certain symptoms that might cause discomfort in patients. During squint surgery recovery time, maximum rest is to be given to the eyes so that it recovers and heals soon. 

The recovery process in the first week

1. In the first few days of squint eye surgery recovery time, the patient will likely experience dull pain in the eyes. This pain can be managed with the help of pain relievers prescribed by the doctor. 
2. During the first week of squint eye surgery recovery time, the patient may experience irritation, redness, and grittiness in the eyes. Additionally, swelling, watering, stickiness, and blurred vision are other symptoms that the patient can experience. The patient is also likely to experience itching and tearing blood from the eyes. All these symptoms eventually subside in 5-6 weeks. 

The recovery process in the first month

1. After six weeks during the squint surgery recovery time, the grittiness in the patient’s eyes will lessen. This grittiness is due to the stitches taken during the squint eye surgery. These stitches take around six weeks to dissolve. 
2. It will take about a month for the redness to settle. 

The recovery process in the second month

1. After-squint surgery, the eyes will be positioned in about two months. During these two months of the squint eye surgery recovery time, double vision may be felt by the patient, as the brain is taking time to adjust to the new positioning of the eye. 

Although squint eye surgery is safe, the patient will likely experience certain side effects, such as sore eyes, redness, itching, double vision, etc.

1. These side effects are usually mild and do not last long. They resolve with a bit of post-operative care and medicines prescribed by the doctor. 
2. After the eye surgery, the patient may be prescribed oral antibiotics. These antibiotics are to be taken in the first five days after the surgery to prevent any infections during the recovery time. The patient may be given eye patches post-surgery. Additionally, the patient may be advised cold compression to reduce swelling. 
3. The doctor prescribes eye drops for about 2-4 weeks after the surgery. These eye drops are usually prescribed about 3-6 times a day. 
4. The patient will also have to go for a follow-up appointment on the next day after the surgery, as well as after around 2 weeks from the surgery, where the doctor will examine the position of the patient’s eyes and check if the eyes are recovering and healing properly. After the check-up, the patient may be given the next check-up date.

Various factors can affect the squint eye surgery recovery time. It also depends on whether the patient took the required precautions after squint surgery. The other factors include:

1. Patient’s compliance with the post-operative care
2. Straining the eyes excessively by using mobiles, laptops or watching Tv
3. Putting makeup or contact lenses
4. Shampoo or soap entering the eyes while washing hair and face
5. Developing complications like Allergic reactions, infections, conjunctival scarring, etc

The exact time taken to recover varies patient-to-patient. Follow the doctor's instructions to reap the maximum benefit of squint eye surgery before and after. The general tips that can help in squint surgery recovery time include:

1. Taking adequate rest 
2. Using phones, TV, and laptop only once the eyes feel better
3. In case protective glasses are prescribed, they are to be always worn
4. In the case of children, more care is to be taken post-surgery. 
5. Keep your eyes away from dust.

It is crucial to bear in mind certain things to avoid during squint surgery recovery time. This will help not only speed up the recovery process but also prevent any complications. These include:

1. Avoid heavy activities like swimming and sports for around four weeks to prevent infections. 
2. Avoid applying any makeup for a few weeks. 
3. Avoid driving until the doctor says it is okay to do so.
4. Avoid any heavy exercise for around a week. It's better to consult the doctor before resuming exercise.
5. Avoiding too much strain on the eyes
6. Soaps and shampoos should be avoided while washing hair and face.
7. Wearing contact lenses is to be avoided until allowed by the doctor.
8. Do not rub the eyes during the post-surgery as the stitches at this point are highly delicate and prone to breaking.
9. Avoid direct sunlight.

It is important to see the doctor immediately during the squint surgery recovery time   if the patient experiences any of the following things:

1. Worsened vision 
2. Increased discharge along with crusting around the eyes
3. Fever, swelling, and redness in the eye, which might be an indication of an infection
4. Severe eye pain that keeps worsening
5. Vision changes like blurred or double vision

Squint eye surgery is important to restore vision and properly align the eyes of the patient. A patient with squint eyes might have vision difficulties. Although there are several treatment options, surgery would be only recommended when nothing works. The squint eye surgery recovery time is usually around 3 to 12 weeks. However, the patient is advised to follow certain precautions after squint surgery to recover quickly. Special care is to be taken in children who have undergone squint surgery. 

At HexaHealth, our team of highly qualified eye doctors provides the best treatment for our patient's eye concerns. Our team of experts and skilled professionals provides excellent treatment services that are safe and patient friendly. For patients with squint eyes, the team of HexaHealth doctors provides the best treatments and aftercare to ensure minimised side effects and speedy recovery.