A squint (or strabismus) occurs when one eye is not properly synchronised with the other eye. The affected eye might wander inwards, outwards but more rarely upwards or downwards.
This can happen all the time or only sometimes, such as when you are tired or concentrating. A squint can cause eyestrain and/or double vision and also affects the appearance of the eye.
What causes squint in adults?
Squints can have a number of different causes, including:
- A squint that was treated as a child but that has returned
- Damage to the muscles in the eyes caused by accident or illness
- A tendency to squint that has become harder to control over time
Non-surgical treatments for squints
A number of non-surgical treatments are available to help correct a squint. Depending on the type and extent of your squint, we may recommend:
- Eye exercises which to help you to improve muscle control in your eyes
- Glasses designed for long-sight which can help to correct squints that turn inwards. Prism glasses may be recommended for double vision and eyestrain
- Injections of botulinum toxin (Botox) into the eye muscles which can improve some squints, although normally the results are not permanent
Surgical treatments for squints
Small incision squint surgery
Squint surgery may be possible to correct strabusmus, and may be needed on one or both eyes.
Mr. Jain has pioneered small incision squint surgery in the UK. This is done by making a small incision under the lower eyelid, resulting is no visible scarring.
The surgery is performed under general anaesthetic, and depending on the number of muscles that are being operated on, usually lasts under 30 minutes. Patients are usually able to go home on the same day. After the surgery, the eye will be red, but this generally subsides within three weeks. Patients are given eye drops to reduce inflammation and prevent infection.
Conventional squint surgery
There are two types of conventional squint surgery.
Conventional squint surgery adjusts the six muscles that control the movement of the eye. The muscles are attached to the surface of the eye underneath the white area. By weakening or strengthening each affected muscle we are able to correct the eye’s position and then stitch the muscles into position using dissolvable stitches. You may also need to have stitches in the clear layer of the eye.
In some cases, however, rather than fully reattaching the muscles to the eye, we will reattach them loosely and then adjust them when you wake up after the operation. This is called adjustable stitch surgery. You will have local anaesthetic drops in your eyes, so you won’t be able to feel anything.
By fine-tuning the position of your eyes in this way we will ensure the greatest chance of successfully correcting your squint. Not everyone will be suitable for this type of surgery though. Your ophthalmic surgeon will advise you on the best surgical option for you.
Risks of squint surgery
Squint surgery is performed under general anaesthetic so you will be asleep throughout the operation. As with all operations, there are some potential risks to consider.
The eye will be uncomfortable after surgery but should not be painful. The whites of your eyes will appear red after surgery, but this should gradually fade after a few weeks.
There is a very small risk of damage to the eye or vision or infection. Your surgeon will talk to you about the potential risks.
Squint surgery benefits
In most cases surgery to correct a squint is very successful and it will enable you to enjoy more comfortable vision without the eyestrain and discomfort caused by squinting.
Out of hours aftercare
Mr. Jain is always happy to receive calls if a patient is having difficulties after strabismus surgery. Call his secretary or the hospital at which the surgery was carried out and they will give him your contact details. If you have any further questions, please feel free to send us an email.
