Squint Surgery
Corrects misalignment in both eyes, improving vision and appearance.
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Squint Surgery
Understanding Squint (Strabismus)
Squint, also known as strabismus, is a condition where the eyes do not align properly. Each eye is controlled by six muscles that coordinate to ensure both eyes focus on the same spot. In squint, this coordination is disrupted, causing the eyes to point in different directions. This can lead to double vision and depth perception issues.
When Squint Surgery Becomes Necessary
Squint surgery becomes necessary when non-surgical treatments, such as glasses or eye exercises, fail to correct the misalignment. The surgery is recommended to straighten the eyes, improve binocular vision, and alleviate symptoms like double vision. It can also be performed for cosmetic reasons, to improve the appearance of the eyes.
Overview of the Squint Surgery
Squint surgery is a common eye operation that involves adjusting the position of the eye muscles to correct the misalignment. The procedure can be performed on one or both eyes and may involve moving one or more muscles. The surgery is usually carried out under general anaesthetic and typically takes up to an hour.
Key takeways
- Squint surgery corrects misalignment of the eyes, known as strabismus.
- It is necessary when non-surgical treatments are ineffective.
- The procedure involves adjusting the eye muscles and is usually done under general anaesthesia.
- Costs vary in the UK, and insurance may cover medically necessary procedures.
- Recovery is typically quick, with most activities resuming within a few days.
- Risks include under or overcorrection, infection, and rare cases of vision loss.
- Alternatives to surgery include glasses, eye exercises, and botulinum toxin injections.
Common Symptoms and Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is squint surgery?
Squint surgery, or strabismus correction, is a procedure to align both eyes by adjusting the eye muscles, improving vision and appearance.
What causes squint that may require surgery?
Squint can be caused by genetic factors, refractive errors, or issues with the eye muscles or nerves. Surgery is considered when other treatments fail.
How long does recovery from squint surgery take?
Recovery from squint surgery is generally quick, with most patients resuming normal activities within a few days, though full healing may take longer.
What are the risks associated with squint surgery?
Risks of squint surgery include under or overcorrection, infection, and in rare cases, loss of vision.
Can squint surgery be covered by insurance?
Squint surgery is often covered by insurance if deemed medically necessary. Self-pay options and payment plans are also available.
Are there non-surgical treatments for squint?
Yes, non-surgical treatments include corrective glasses, eye exercises, and botulinum toxin injections, but surgery may be required if these are ineffective.
Further Information on the Service
Causes of Squint
Squint can be caused by various factors, including genetic predisposition, refractive errors like long-sightedness, or conditions that affect the muscles or nerves of the eye. In some cases, the cause of squint is unknown.
Conditions Warranting Squint Surgery
Squint surgery is recommended when the condition causes significant symptoms, such as double vision, or when it affects the appearance of the eyes. It may also be necessary when the squint is not responsive to other treatments like glasses or eye exercises.
Related Concerns
Squint can lead to amblyopia (lazy eye), where the brain ignores the input from the misaligned eye. It can also cause psychosocial issues due to the appearance of the eyes.
Treatment Approaches
Treatment for squint can include glasses, eye exercises, botulinum toxin injections, or surgery. The choice of treatment depends on the type and severity of the squint, the patient's age, and the presence of any associated conditions.
Alternatives to Surgery
Non-surgical treatments for squint include the use of corrective glasses, eye exercises, or botulinum toxin injections. However, these treatments may not be effective in all cases, and surgery may be required.
Service Overview
Squint surgery involves adjusting the position of the eye muscles to correct the misalignment. The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic and typically takes up to an hour. The surgery can significantly improve the alignment of the eyes, alleviate symptoms, and improve the patient's quality of life.
Benefits and Risks of Squint Surgery
The benefits of squint surgery include improved eye alignment, better binocular vision, and relief from symptoms like double vision. However, as with any surgery, there are risks, including under or overcorrection of the squint, infection, and in rare cases, loss of vision.
Preparation for Surgery
Before surgery, patients may need to undergo a comprehensive eye examination. They should also inform their doctor about any medications they are taking, as some may need to be stopped before the surgery.
Pre-surgery Procedures and Checks
On the day of the surgery, the patient's eye will be examined again, and the specific details of the procedure will be discussed. The patient will then be prepared for surgery, which includes administering the anaesthetic.
Step-by-Step Guide to Squint Surgery
- The patient is put under general anaesthesia.
- A small incision is made in the conjunctiva, the clear layer covering the eye.
- The eye muscles are located and adjusted to correct the squint.
- The adjusted muscles are reattached using dissolvable stitches.
- The conjunctiva is closed using dissolvable stitches. ### Postoperative Care After the surgery, the patient's eye may be covered with a pad. They will be monitored until the effects of the anaesthesia wear off, after which they can usually go home the same day. ### Recovery and Rehabilitation Recovery from squint surgery is typically quick, with most patients able to return to their normal activities within a few days. Some patients may need to wear glasses after the surgery, and follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor the healing process. ## References
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Squint surgery in adults. [https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/sites/default/files/Squint%20surgery%20in%20adults.pdf]
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Squint surgery for children. [https://www.ouh.nhs.uk/patient-guide/leaflets/files/13108Psquint.pdf]
- American Academy of Ophthalmology. Surgical Coding for Pediatric and Adult Strabismus. [https://www.aao.org/eyenet/article/coding-for-pediatric-and-adult-strabismus]
- University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust. Going home after squint surgery for adults. [https://www.uhcw.nhs.uk/download/clientfiles/files/Patient%20Information%20Leaflets/Surgical%20Services/Ophthalmology/Going%20home%20after%20squint%20surgery%20for%20adults.pdf]
- Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust. Strabismus (squint) surgery. [https://www.royalfree.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/patient-information-leaflets/strabismus-squint-surgery]
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Squint Surgery (Both Eyes)
Squint Surgery (Both Eyes)
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