Key Takeaways of Squint Surgery

• Type of Procedure: Surgical
• Duration: Typically 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on complexity
• Anesthesia Used: General anesthesia (for children) or local anesthesia (for adults in some cases)
• Recovery Time: 1-2 weeks before resuming normal activities, with full recovery in 4-6 weeks

Types of Squint Surgery

• Recession Surgery: By shifting the eye muscle back, the surgeon reduces the force exerted on the eye. This is utilized when an eye turns outward (exotropia) or inward (esotropia).
• Resection Surgery: This involves removing a small portion of the eye muscle to make it stronger. It's typically used for an outward-turning eye (exotropia).
• Adjustable Suture Technique: After surgery, the eye muscles are temporarily joined in place. During follow-up appointments, the tension can be changed to fine-tune alignment.
• Muscle Transposition Surgery: This technique is used for more complex cases, such as vertical squints, by repositioning the eye muscles to new locations to correct alignment.
• Botox Injection: In certain cases, botulinum toxin (Botox) is injected into the eye muscles to temporarily weaken them, offering a less invasive option to realign the eyes.

Indications of Squint Surgery

Squint surgery, also known as strabismus surgery, is performed to correct the misalignment of the eyes. The primary indications or purposes of squint surgery include:

• Eye Misalignment: Visible deviation of one or both eyes, including inward (esotropia), outward (exotropia), or vertical misalignment.
• Amblyopia (Lazy Eye): To prevent or treat reduced vision in one eye caused by misalignment.
• Double Vision (Diplopia): Persistent double vision due to strabismus.
• Poor Binocular Vision: Difficulty using both eyes together, impacting depth perception.
• Cosmetic Concerns: Noticeable misalignment affecting facial appearance and confidence.
• Recurring Strabismus: Reappearance of eye misalignment after prior treatments or surgery.
• Difficulty with Daily Tasks: Vision problems are caused by strabismus, which interferes with reading, driving, or work.
• Nystagmus (if indicated): To improve eye alignment and reduce the effects of involuntary eye movements.
• Social and Psychological Impact: Addressing the emotional and social challenges caused by visible misalignment.

Preparation for Squint (Strabismus) Surgery

Preparing for squint surgery, also known as strabismus surgery, involves several important steps to ensure a successful and smooth surgical experience. Proper preparation helps minimize risks, enhance recovery, and contribute to a positive outcome.

Here's a general guide on how to prepare for squint surgery:

• Consultation: Meet an experienced ophthalmologist, share your medical history, and undergo an eye exam to determine the best approach.
• Preoperative Instructions: Follow your doctor's advice on medications, eye drops, and fasting before surgery.
• Medical Clearance: To ensure you're ready for surgery, ask for medical advice from your primary care physician if necessary.
• Transportation: Make plans for a ride to and from the surgery facility.
• Hygiene: Wash your face and avoid makeup, lotions, or creams on surgery day.
• Mental Preparation: Learn about the procedure, discuss any worries with your physician, and ask questions to ensure you completely understand it.

Steps Involved in Squint (Strabismus) Surgery Procedure

During squint surgery, also known as strabismus surgery, the ophthalmologist will perform a series of carefully planned steps to correct the misalignment of the eyes. The surgical procedure aims to adjust the eye muscles to achieve proper alignment and improve the coordination of eye movements.

Here's an overview of what typically happens during squint surgery:

• Anesthesia: Surgery is done under local or general anesthesia, ensuring patient comfort and immobility.
• Incision: A small incision is made on the eye's surface to access the eye muscles.
• Muscle Adjustment: To correct the misalignment, the surgeon may tighten or relax particular eye muscles.
• Suturing: To maintain correct alignment, adjusted muscles are bound with absorbable sutures.
• Closure: The incision is closed using absorbable stitches.
• Postoperative Care: Protective shields, eye drops, or ointments are provided to prevent infection and promote healing.

Who will do Squint Surgery?

Squint surgery, also known as strabismus surgery, is typically performed by an ophthalmologist, a medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of eye conditions and diseases.

Ophthalmologists are highly trained professionals with expertise in both medical and surgical aspects of eye care. They are qualified to perform squint surgery and provide comprehensive care for patients with strabismus.

Benefits of Squint Surgery

• Corrects Eye Misalignment: Aligns the eyes to improve binocular vision and depth perception.
• Enhances Visual Function: Reduces the risk of amblyopia (lazy eye) by encouraging both eyes to work together.
• Improves Appearance: Restores natural eye alignment, enhancing facial symmetry and boosting confidence.
• Prevents Social Challenges: Helps reduce the psychological impact from teasing or bullying related to misaligned eyes.
• Ensures Long-Term Benefits: Addresses recurrent or late-onset misalignment to maintain proper eye alignment.
• Supports Daily Activities: Improves vision for tasks like reading, driving, and working in severe strabismus cases.
• Addresses Nystagmus (if needed): Reduces involuntary eye movements to enhance visual stability.

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Recovery After Squint Surgery

• Immediate Postoperative Care: After surgery, you will rest in the recovery room until the anesthesia wears off. Mild discomfort and blurry vision may occur temporarily.
• Pain Management: Pain and discomfort are usually minimal, and over-the-counter pain relievers can be used as prescribed by your doctor.
• Viral Discharge: You may notice watery eyes or slight redness, which is common post-surgery and usually resolves within a few days.
• Activity Limitations: Avoid strenuous activities for at least 1-2 weeks. Refrain from rubbing the eyes, swimming, or participating in contact sports until your doctor gives the go-ahead.
• Follow-Up Appointments: Attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing and check for any complications.
• Resuming Normal Activities: Most people can return to regular activities after 1-2 weeks, but avoid activities that might strain the eyes, such as heavy lifting or prolonged screen time.
• Vision Changes: It's normal to experience some blurred vision in the early stages of recovery. It may take a few weeks to see the final results and adjustments in eye alignment.
• Potential Complications: Rare complications include infection, scarring, or the need for additional surgery. Contact your surgeon if you experience severe pain, excessive redness, or vision changes.

Lifestyle Changes After Squint Surgery

After squint surgery (strabismus surgery), certain lifestyle changes and considerations can contribute to a smooth recovery and optimal outcomes. While many of these changes are temporary and specific to the post-operative period, they are important to follow to ensure proper healing and to support the success of the surgery.

Here are some lifestyle changes to keep in mind:

• Rest & Recovery: To promote healing, give sleep and rest a priority. Avoid apparent eye strain and demanding activities.
• Medications & Hygiene: Use prescribed eye drops and medications. Gently clean the eye to prevent infection.
• Protective Measures: Don't rub or touch the operated eye. Use an eye shield if provided.
• Follow-Up: Attend all scheduled appointments. Follow any vision therapy or exercises prescribed.
• Gradual Resumption: As directed by your doctor, gradually resume your regular activities. Drink plenty of water and eat a healthy, balanced diet.
• Patience: Recovery may take time. Follow medical advice for optimal healing.