What is a Squint?
A squint is where the two eyes don't point in the same direction
and it is a condition which often runs in the family. It can
affect one in 50 children under five years old and a successful
operation should mean your child's eyes move together.
Squinting in adults can also occur if the nerves to the eye
muscles, or the eye muscles themselves, are not working properly
causing double vision.
What will this involve?
Squint correction is carried out under general anaesthetic and
usually takes about 40 minutes. Your surgeon will make a
small cut in the surface membrane of your eye and then separate one
or more eye muscles from the surface of the eyeball.
Using small dissolvable stitches, your surgeon will then
reattach the muscles, making them tighter or looser than they were
before, depending on the correction that needs to be made.
Once the operation is complete your eyes will be covered by
clear plastic shields and your child can rest for a while before
departure.
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When will I recover?
Your child should be able to go home the same or following day
and you will be advised when they can return to normal
activities.
Your child will need regular follow-up appointments with your
surgeon and eye specialist. Most children make a good recovery.
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What risks should I know about?
Squint correction is a regularly performed operation and is
considered to be quite safe. Most patients do not suffer any
complications or side effects but we should mention those
complications that can occur:
- Continued or worse squinting which may mean further
surgery
- Double vision which normally settles after a little while
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Circle care
The vast majority of people who have squint correction make an
excellent recovery and enjoy improved vision and at Circle we have
a dedicated team of Ophthalmic Surgeons and Nurses dedicated to
achieving this for you. They will guide you through the
process from first consultation to after-care appointments and will
be available to answer any questions or queries you may have.
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