Squint Surgery: Realigning the Eyes for Better Vision and Confidence
Squint (strabismus) affects both appearance and vision. Here's how squint surgery works, in children and adults alike, and what to expect from the procedure and recovery.
What Is Squint (Strabismus)?
Squint occurs when the eyes don't align properly — one eye may turn inward, outward, upward, or downward while the other looks straight ahead. Left untreated in childhood, it can lead to amblyopia (lazy eye) and loss of depth perception; in adults, it often causes double vision and can affect confidence and daily function.
How Squint Surgery Works
Squint surgery adjusts the tension and position of the eye muscles responsible for eye movement, realigning the eyes so they work together. The surgeon either loosens (recesses) or tightens (resects) specific eye muscles based on the direction and degree of misalignment.
- Performed under general anesthesia in children, or local/general anesthesia in adults
- Typically takes 30–60 minutes, often for both eyes in the same sitting
- No stitches are visible externally — the eye's surface heals over the dissolvable sutures used on the muscle
Cross-section of the human eye (Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0)
What to Expect After Surgery
Some redness, mild discomfort, and watering are normal for a week or two. Most people resume normal activities within a few days, though strenuous exercise and swimming are usually restricted for 2–4 weeks. Follow-up visits confirm the eyes are healing in proper alignment.
Is It Just Cosmetic?
Not at all. While improved alignment does restore a more natural appearance, the primary goals are functional: preventing or treating amblyopia, restoring binocular vision, eliminating double vision, and in many cases, improving depth perception that was lost due to the misalignment.
When Is Surgery Recommended?
- When glasses or patching haven't fully corrected the misalignment
- Constant, noticeable squint affecting a child's visual development
- Adult-onset squint causing double vision
- Significant impact on a person's confidence or quality of life