Squint Surgery

Squint Surgery: Eyes Aligned, Confidence Redefined

Many think squint is a permanent eye condition that cannot be corrected. But the truth is that the eye can be straightened at any age. A squint is also known as strabismus, where the eyes are not aligned in the same direction. In individuals with squint, the eyes do not point in the same direction simultaneously. One eye may turn inward, outward, upward, or downward while the other remains straight. This misalignment can be constant or intermittent. It can occur at any age.

This particular piece of article is for people who are dealing with squint eyes and are looking for treatment options in India. We will discuss eye squint surgery and why India is the best place to treat this condition.

Types of Squint

There are several forms of strabismus. The most common is

Accommodative Esotropia.

This occurs in cases of uncorrected farsightedness. The ability to focus is linked to where our eyes point. When we try to put extra effort into keeping distant objects in clear focus, the eyes may turn inward.

Intermittent Exotropia

is a type of strabismus in which one eye concentrates on the target, whereas the other eye points outwards.

Infantile Exotropia

This type of squint occurs in children when infants show a significant amount of turning in of eyes before they are six months old.

Strabismus or squint can be defined in the following ways:

Esotropia: Your eyes point inward.
Exotropia: Your eyes point outward.
Hypertropia: Your eyes point upward.
Hypotropia: Your eyes point downward.
Unilateral: It is always in the same eye.
Alternating: It happens in one eye sometimes and in the other eye at times.

Symptoms

Symptoms of strabismus include:

● Double Vision
● Tilting or turning your head
● Headaches
● Difficulty in reading
● Eye strain
● Closing or covering one eye when looking at nearby objects.

Causes of Squint in Children:

● Congenital Squint: A strong family history can lead to squint in children.
● Hypermetropia: Since the child cannot focus well, he has to put extra effort into focusing, which can cause double vision.
● Childhood Illness: Squint may develop due to viral fever of measles
● Injury to nerves
● Hereditary

Causes of Squint in Adults

● Muscle Imbalance: The most common cause of squint is muscle imbalance, which makes it difficult for both eyes to work together.
● Genetics: A family history of squint also increases the chances of developing this condition.
● Refractive Errors: Uncorrected vision problems like nearsightedness or farsightedness can also lead to squints in adults.
● Underlying health conditions: Certain neurological conditions, head injuries, or brain tumors can also lead to squint.
● Lifestyle: Prolonged screen time, stress, and poor lighting can lead to squinting.

Diagnosis of squint

Eye specialists in India conduct the following tests to diagnose squint:

● Medical history examination
● Visual Acuity Test
● Corneal Light Reflex
● Cover test
● Ocular Alignment and Motility Examination
● Refraction Test

Treatment

Glasses or Contact Lenses: If the squint is associated with refractive errors, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, the use of glasses and lenses is prescribed to restore vision and align the eyes.

Vision Therapy and Eye Exercises: Vision therapy involves multiple eye exercises and activities designed to improve eye coordination and strengthen the eye muscles. This can be effective for certain types of squints, especially those related to convergence insufficiency.

Prism Glasses: Prism glasses may be prescribed to help alleviate double vision by redirecting the light entering the eyes. These glasses can be especially beneficial for individuals with specific types of squint.

Botulinum Toxin (Botox) Injections: In some cases, particularly for certain types of strabismus, injections of botulinum toxin (Botox) may temporarily weaken specific eye muscles, allowing for improved alignment.

Surgery: It is the main treatment option for squint in India. Squint surgery is recommended when other treatments fail to help. The operation involves moving the muscles to control eye movement so that the eyes align better.

Some terms related to Squint Surgery:

You can have strabismus surgery on one or both eyes.

● Bilateral strabismus surgery is the term for when you have surgery on both eyes.
● Resection is the term for making the muscle short by cutting it.
● Plication is the term for making the muscle shorter by folding it over.
● Recession refers to moving the muscle back to make it less tight.
● You may have adjustable eye squint surgery, where doctors adjust the muscle sutures to correct for remaining misalignment in the recovery area or clinic soon after strabismus surgery in the operating room.

Understanding Squint Surgery in Detail

Before the Surgery
● You will have to take some pre-operative tests before the surgery that will determine your overall health.
● If you have any history of past eye surgery, the doctors will review your reports.
● Tell your doctor if you are on any specific medicines or blood thinners.
● Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any medicine.
● Stop eating or drinking just before the surgery. You are not supposed to take anything from your mouth after midnight. You also have to stop all your medications before the surgery.

During the Surgery

● The squint surgery starts by giving general anesthesia.
● Your team will monitor your vitals during the surgery
● The team will use an eye speculum to keep your eye open during the surgery
● The surgeon will then cut into the outer white opening of your eye.
● The doctor will then pull out the muscles and correct them using the above mentioned techniques.
● Once done, the surgeon will attach the muscles and close your eye with dissolvable stitches.
● The surgical team will remove the speculum and put ointment in the eye.
● The surgery takes somewhere around 30 minutes.

After the surgery

The treated eye is covered with a pad. It’s usually removed the next day or before you leave.
● You’ll probably have a sore eye for a few days.
● Painkillers and eye drops may be given to ease discomfort.

You may experience some of the following side effects after the surgery:
● eye pain
● blood in your tears and watering eyes
● itchy eyes
● double vision.
Contact your eye specialist as soon as possible if any of the side effects bother you.

Returning to normal activities

Recovery from squint surgery can take several weeks. The care team will give you specific advice about returning to normal activities, but generally:

● When you feel okay, you can read, watch TV, and do other stuff.
● It’ll take about a week to return to work or school.
● Stay away from driving for at least a day or two or longer if you have double vision.
● Avoid any soap or shampoo entering the eyes.
● Start swimming or any other exercise only after six weeks of surgery.
● Please do not put any makeup close to your eyes for at least four we
● Most people return to exercise and sport after a week, although you may be advised to avoid swimming for four weeks and contact sports (such as rugby) for six weeks.
● Do not use makeup close to the eyes for four weeks.
● Regular follow-ups are necessary.
● A balanced diet will improve healing.
● In case of recurrence, a revision surgery is suggested.

Risks

Risks are there in every operation. The risks associated with eye squint surgery include

● Further surgery to fully correct the squint if it is severe
● Permanent double vision,
● Infection in the eye
● Eye muscles slipping out of position.
● Loss of vision, but this is very rare.
Speak to your doctor about the risks associated with the squint surgery.

Pediatric and squint surgery

Pediatric and squint surgery addresses misalignment in a child’s eyes, known as strabismus, aiming to improve vision and prevent long-term complications. Tailored to each child’s unique needs, this procedure enhances eye coordination, promoting optimal visual development. Early intervention is key, ensuring a brighter, clearer future for children facing squint-related challenges.

Advantages of surgery

The primary advantages of squint surgery include:

● Improved eye alignment
● Enhanced vision
● Reduction in double vision
● Cosmetic benefits
● Correction of lazy eye
● Enhanced life quality
● Reduced eye strain

Prognosis

The prognosis for strabismus, commonly known as squint or crossed eyes, can vary depending on several factors. Here are some considerations:

Early Intervention: Early detection of squint gives good outcomes; it helps to prevent amblyopia, also known as lazy eye.

Underlying Cause: The prognosis is affected by the underlying cause of the strabismus. Some cases may be related to refractive errors, muscle imbalances, or neurological factors
.
Type and Severity of Strabismus: There are different types of strabismus, such as esotropia (inward turning) or exotropia (outward turning). The severity of the misalignment can also affect the prognosis.

Treatment Type: Surgical correction of strabismus is often successful, but the outcome can vary.

Compliance with Treatment: Treatment success also depends on the individual’s compliance with prescribed interventions.

Age of the Individual: While strabismus can be treated at any age, it tends to give better results when treated in childhood.

Squint Prevention

Squint prevention involves a combination of awareness and early intervention. Here is how you can prevent squint:

● Regular eye checkups
● Limit excessive screen time
● Address any vision-related issues as soon as possible
● Eye exercises can prevent squint
● Take a nutritious and balanced diet

Top Hospitals and Doctors Doing Squint Surgery in India and squint surgery cost

How can you avail yourself of the best Squint Surgery in India?

Cross Border Care is here for you if you are looking for trustworthy treatment consultants in India. We will help you find the best doctor in India and get your treatment done for JCI-accredited hospitals at the most pocket-friendly rates. Our team includes experienced medical professionals with you at each treatment step. So, if you are planning your squint surgery in India, fill out the form below, and we will help you to choose the best doctor and hospital providing state-of-the-art technology.

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