Expert Eye Care at Sahaj Hospital

Strabismus

What Is Squint?

Squint, medically known as strabismus, is a condition where one eye does not move in coordination with the other. While one eye looks forward, the other may turn inward, outward, upward, or downward.

Symptoms of Squint

  • Misaligned eyes: One eye faces a different direction from the other.
  • Blurred or double vision: Patients may experience difficulty focusing.
  • Minor squints: Less noticeable but can still cause vision issues.
  • In children and babies: Vision problems may not be easily identifiable.

Types of Squints

Congenital Squint

  • Often hereditary, present from birth.
  • May result from developmental issues or family history of squints.

Squints in Childhood

  • Can stem from medical conditions or refractive errors, such as:
    • Difficulty seeing distant objects (myopia).
    • Trouble focusing on nearby objects (hyperopia).
    • Blurry vision caused by uneven corneal curvature (astigmatism).

Treatment Options for Squint

Treatment success depends on timely diagnosis and intervention.

Non-Surgical Treatment

  • Eye patches: Used to strengthen the weaker eye in cases of lazy eye (amblyopia).
  • Regular follow-ups: Essential for monitoring and adjusting treatment
eye squint surgery

Surgical Treatment

Squint surgery is a common and effective procedure, often performed as a day-case operation.

Benefits of Squint Surgery:

  • Improved eye alignment and appearance.
  • Enhanced peripheral (side) vision.
  • Better depth perception in some cases.
  • Corrected abnormal head positions.

Types of Squint Surgery:

  1. Adjustable Surgery:

    • Performed on older children and adults.
    • Stitches can be adjusted after surgery for better results.
  2. Non-Adjustable Surgery:

    • Suitable for younger children.
    • Involves fixed sutures without post-surgical adjustments.

Preoperative Evaluation

  • Sensorimotor Examination: Assesses eye alignment and muscle function.
  • Prism Testing: Measures the degree of misalignment.
  • Surgical Planning: Helps identify problematic muscles and guides surgical strategy.

Preparing for Squint Surgery

  • Surgery is conducted under general anesthesia.
  • The procedure typically takes less than an hour.
  • Muscles attached to the eye are repositioned and sutured using absorbable stitches.

After Squint Surgery

  • Eye Protection: A safety pad is applied over the operated eye and removed within 24 hours.
  • Medications: Analgesics for pain and eye drops for healing.
  • Activity Restrictions:
    • Avoid driving until double vision resolves (typically 2–3 days).
    • No swimming for at least 7 days.
    • Protect eyes from dust, shampoo, and other irritants.
  • Spectacles/Contact Lenses: Existing spectacles can be worn, but approval from the surgeon is required for contact lenses.

Risk Factors and Complications

  • Squint surgery is generally safe, with minimal risks.
  • Rare complications include mild discomfort or temporary double vision.

Post-Surgery Follow-Up

  • Regular check-ups with your surgeon are essential.
  • Seek immediate medical attention if any unusual symptoms occur, such as pain, redness, or vision changes.

Why Choose Sahaj Hospital for Squint Surgery?

  • Expert Surgeons: Skilled in advanced techniques for optimal outcomes.
  • Cutting-Edge Technology: Ensures precision and minimal recovery time.
  • Comprehensive Care: Personalized treatment plans for patients of all ages.

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