Squint Treatment – Causes, Options, and Surgery
A squint, also known as strabismus, is a condition in which the eyes point in different directions (one eye turns up, down, in, out, or even in an oblique direction from the other eye). While it may seem cosmetic at first, squint is a serious eye disease that can result in long-term vision problems if not treated.
Squint can occur at any age, from infancy to adulthood. In children, it usually manifests before the age of five but can show up later in life and have a number of causes. If not resolved, squint may prevent the brain from making use of both eyes together, which can lead to amblyopia (lazy eye), particularly in young children.
It is important to identify and correct squint as early as possible. Early treatment can both enhance visual prognosis and spare a combination of complications that suppress vision and quality of life.
Causes and Symptoms of Squint Disease
The causes of squint are categorised as follows:
Squint may occur due to various reasons. In many children, it is because of an imbalance among the muscles that control eye movements, or because the brain may not be controlling the eye movements as efficiently as it should be. Common causes include:
- Poor eye muscle strength or control
- Damaged nerves or neurological diseases
- Genetic factors
- Some types of eye (refractive) problems (long-sightedness, for example)
- Health issues like Down syndrome or cerebral palsy
The key is recognising the signs of squint. Symptoms can include:
- Eyes that appear misaligned
- Double vision
- Feeling as if you are not near something you are close to
- Eye strain or headaches
In the case of a person with untreated squint (especially young children), the brain may decide to ignore the image from the turned eye – causing amblyopia. All the more reason for early diagnosis to be as accurate as possible.
Non-Surgical Squint Treatment Options
Fortunately, not all squint cases require surgery. There are several effective non-surgical treatments:
- Glasses or Contact Lenses:
These can help to correct any refractive error that may be causing the squint, especially among children with long-sightedness. - Eye Patches:
In children, this specialised patch is placed over the better-performing eye to ensure the weaker eye works harder, strengthening it. - Vision Therapy:
A series of guided eye exercises that strengthen the eyes to work together better. - Botox Injections:
Sometimes, Botox can be injected into the overactive eye muscles to weaken them temporarily, encouraging the eyes to align.
These treatments are the first line of defence, and when used early on, they can be very effective.
When is Squint Surgery Needed?
Surgery is advised where non-surgical treatment is insufficient, particularly in older children or adults, or in severe squint cases.
Squint surgery involves realigning the muscles around the eye. This serves to improve not only appearance but also visual function and the coordination of the eyes. An evaluation by an expert is mandatory to choose the correct intervention and establish a tailored treatment programme.
Understanding Squint Eye Surgery (Squint Operation)
Squint operations are performed under general anaesthesia and last approximately 30–45 minutes. Here’s what to expect:
- Procedure:
The surgeon adjusts the pull of certain eye muscles to re-establish accurate focus. The incisions are small, and dissolvable stitches are used. - Recovery:
After surgery, one may experience tenderness, redness, or swelling. The patient is given antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection and promote healing. Temporary lenses or other types of vision therapy may be recommended in some cases. Most people fully recover in a few weeks.
Risks and Success Rates Related to Squint Surgery
As with all operations, squint surgery involves some risks, including:
- Infection
- Over- or under-correction
- Double vision that lasts for some time or comes and goes
That being said, the success rate is high, especially when performed by experienced ophthalmic surgeons. A second surgery may sometimes be required for further refinement.
Post-Surgery Care and Follow-Up
Post-surgery aftercare is important to achieve the best results:
- Avoid strenuous activity or swimming for a few weeks.
- Attend all follow-up appointments to monitor healing.
- Continue vision therapy as advised.
With proper aftercare, this will lead to long-term success and continued alignment of the eyes.
Conclusion: Seeking Professional Help for Squint Treatment
Whether for a child or an adult, early intervention for squint is vital to prevent long-term vision problems and improve quality of life. At Chase Lodge Hospital, our expert clinicians provide the full range of treatments, from non-surgical options to advanced squint surgery.
Say goodbye to smudged glasses and order your Copper Vision today!
For further information, visit the NHS squint information page or contact Chase Lodge Hospital to book a consultation that suits your schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Squint Treatment
Can adults undergo squint surgery?
Yes, squint surgery is effective at any age and can restore appearance, vision, and confidence.
Is squint eye surgery painful?
Most patients report only mild discomfort, which is manageable with standard pain relief.
How long does recovery take?
Initial recovery takes about a week, but complete healing may take several weeks to a month.
