Squint Surgery (Strabismus) - Procedure, Benefits, Cost & Recovery

Squint, also called strabismus, is a condition where the eyes point in different directions. One eye may turn upward, downward, inward, or outward, while the other focuses at one point. The condition is particularly common in young children but can occur at any age. It is unlikely for a squint to get better on its own. Therefore, surgery is recommended to correct the squint.

Different types of squint can be described by the direction where your eye points.

1. Hypotropia: When the eye turns downwards
2. Hypertropia: When the eye turns upwards
3. Exotropia: When the eye turns outwards
4. Esotropia: When the eye turns inwards

1. Corrects the malaligned movement of the eyes,
2. Treats eye conditions such as double visions, the strain on the eyes or fatigue. 
3. Helps a person lead a better life by correcting the vision and restoring the normal eye function
4. Takes less time
5. A hassle-free process for the patient or the family.

Squint surgery is performed to correct the misalignment of the eyes, caused due to an abnormality of the neuromuscular control of eye movement. Some people are born with a squint, while others develop it later in their life. Problems that can lead to a squint include:-

1. Myopia - short-sightedness
2. Hypermetropia - long-sightedness
3. Astigmatism - the cornea is unevenly curved, causing blurred vision

Other rare causes of a squint include:-

1. Genetic conditions or syndromes, such as Down’s syndrome
2. Infections, such as measles
3. Developmental delays
4. Cerebral palsy
5. Strokes
6. Brain tumours
7. Neurological problems
8. Graves’ disease (overproduction of thyroid hormones)
9. Hydrocephalus (buildup of fluid in the brain)
10. Head injuries

During squint surgery:-

1. The surgeon holds the eye open using an instrument known as a lid speculum.
2. He/she detaches the part of the muscle connected to the eye and moves it to a new position so that both your eyes point in the same direction. 
3. Then, they attach the muscles to their new position with dissolvable stitches hidden behind the eye. 
4. In some cases, for adults and teenagers, the surgeon may make further adjustments to your eye muscles after you wake up from the effect of anaesthesia. Your surgeon will use local anaesthetic eye drops to numb your eyes for these adjustments. 

What Can You Expect Before the Surgery?

1. Your doctor will advise you for a pre-anaesthetic checkup before the surgery. 
2. He/she will ask you about your medical history and current medications.
3. You will attend a pre-operative assessment to check if you can have the surgery.
4. After receiving the clearance, the doctor will appoint a day for the surgery.
5. He/she will inform you to stop eating or drinking after midnight, the night before the surgery.
6. Lastly, your doctor will explain the surgical procedure, hospital stay, estimated cost, and insurance formalities. 
7. You can ask any questions you have for the doctor.

What Can You Expect on the Day of the Surgery?

1. On the day of the surgery, the hospital staff will ask you to sign consent formalities.
2. The staff will ask you to change into a hospital gown and remove pieces of jewellery and non-permanent dentures.
3. Someone from the team will record your last meal. 
4. The team will shift you to the OT room after monitoring your vitals, including heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. 

What Can You Expect During the Surgery?

1. In the OT room, you will be made to relax on the operating table. 
2. Someone from the team will start an IV line in your arms for fluid and medicines and give you general anaesthesia.
3. The team will monitor your vitals throughout the surgery. 
4. Finally, the surgeon will perform the surgery and repair the squint. 
5. The procedure usually takes less than an hour.

Recovery at Hospital:-

1. The nursing staff will shift you to a recovery room and monitor your vitals. 
2. The doctor may prescribe medication for pain relief.
3. You may require to wear a pad on the treated eye for a day or two. 
4. You need to stay in the hospital for two hours while the doctor checks if you are recovering well. 
5. Before discharge, the doctor will provide you with certain home care and follow-up instructions. 
6. You may need a family member or friend to drive you home.

Recovery at Home:-

1. Recovery from squint surgery can take up to several weeks. 
2. Use the eye drops prescribed by the doctor to prevent infection.
3. Do not let soap or shampoo get in your eye while washing.
4. Do not rub your eyes.
5. You should not drive for at least a day or two.
6. Avoid using makeup close to your eyes for about four weeks.
7. Avoid swimming for 2 to 4 weeks.

First Follow-Up Appointment

Before leaving the hospital, your doctor will appoint a follow-up visit two weeks after the surgery. During the visit, he/she will examine your eye and its recovery.

Call your healthcare professional if you experience the following:-

1. An infection or pus around the eye
2. Discharge from the eye
3. Bleeding in the eye
4. Pain that does not improve with painkillers
5. Unexpected changes in the vision