Squint Surgery (Strabismus)
Introduction
Squint surgery, also known as strabismus surgery, is a procedure to correct the misalignment of the eyes. Abnormal ocular muscle coordination causes unequal eye deviation, characterizing strabismus. Squint surgery reorganizes these muscles into an anatomically correct position, that not only improves the appearance but also visual function.
What is Squint Surgery (Strabismus Surgery)?
Surgeons perform squint surgery to reposition ocular muscles and correct ocular misalignment. This procedure restores visual, binocular, and ocular motility functions, benefiting both pediatric and adult patients. As one of the most popular modalities for giving corrective optical force to an inward/outward/upward/downward refractive error of the eye.
Why is Squint Surgery Needed?
Squint surgery is recommended for individuals with:
- Cosmetic Concerns: Misaligned eyes affect appearance and confidence.
- Binocular Vision Issues: Restores depth perception and improves focus.
- Double Vision: Alleviates symptoms of diplopia caused by strabismus.
- Amblyopia (Lazy Eye): Prevents vision loss in the weaker eye.
- Eye Strain: Reduces discomfort caused by misaligned eyes.
Types of Squint Surgery
- Recession: Posterior repositioning of the extraocular muscle on the orbit using deformation.
- Resection: Tightening the eye muscle to lengthen it for realignment.
- Adjustable Sutures: Precise postoperative fine-adaptation of residual corneal gaze, to maximize overall outcome.
- Transposition Surgery: Modifies the muscles to reorganize to better conform to awkward misalignments.
- Botox Injections: Applied in some cases to temporarily attenuate hyperkinetic ocular muscles.
Procedure Steps
- Pre-Surgery Evaluation:
- The alignment degree and the exercised muscle have been evaluated by an ocular exam.
- Anesthesia:
- Conceptually, general anesthesia is given to children and local anesthesia is allowed for adults.
- Muscle Adjustment:
- The surgeon performs a small incision in the conjunctiva to gain access to the ocular muscles.
- Muscles are moved or limited to adjust the alignment.
- Closing the Incision:
- The incision is closed with dissolvable stitches.
- Post-Surgery Care:
- Antibiotic eye drops and a protective ophthalmic guard are the available options to minimize the risk of infection and accelerate recovery.
Benefits of Squint Surgery
- Restores Eye Alignment: Corrects misaligned eyes for improved aesthetics and vision.
- Boosts Confidence: Enhances appearance and self-esteem.
- Improves Binocular Vision: Restores depth perception and proper focus.
- Prevents Vision Loss: Reduces the risk of amblyopia in children.
- Relieves Eye Strain: Minimizes discomfort associated with misaligned eyes.
Cost of Squint Surgery
- United States: $3,500 – $8,000
- United Kingdom: $2,500 – $6,000
- Thailand: $1,200 – $3,000
- India: $800 – $2,000
Best Hospitals in India for Treatment
India has all the major hospitals with the best and most modern techniques in the field of squint surgeries such as:
- Metro Hospital Faridabad being one of the leading ophthalmology providers rated according to its high outcome rate, has been shown.
- Max Healthcare (Delhi) has sophisticated technology for strabismus surgery.
- Fortis Healthcare (Delhi)—a pioneer of all aspects of the ophthalmic world and a multi-disciplinary team of expert ophthalmic personnel.
Risks and Complications
While squint surgery is generally safe, potential risks include:
- Infection: Rare but treatable with antibiotics.
- Overcorrection or Undercorrection: May require additional surgery.
- Double Vision: Temporary diplopia may occur during recovery.
- Redness or Swelling: Common post-surgery symptoms that resolve over time.
- Recurrence: Reoccurrence of misalignment can occur and act as another treatment in rare cases.
Recovery
Recovery from squint surgery is relatively quick.
- First Few Days: Redness, swelling, and mild discomfort are normal. Use prescribed eye drops and avoid rubbing the eyes.
- 1-2 Weeks: In the majority of the patients’ states, normal life activities are feasible; however, exercise should be avoided as much as possible.
- 1 Month: Full healing occurs, and final results are visible. Regular follow-ups are essential to monitor eye alignment.
