If conservative methods to correct squint are not successful your consultant may recommend surgery.
What happens during squint surgery?
Squint surgery is usually performed under general anaesthetic and takes about 40 minutes.
Your surgeon will separate one or more eye muscles and reattach them, making them tighter or looser than they were before depending on the correction that needs to be made. Once the muscles are in the correct position they will be stitched into place using dissolvable stitches.
Going home after squint surgery
Squint surgery is usually done as a day case meaning you should be able to go home the day of the procedure.
Your eyes may be sore or feel scratchy for the first few days. Take over the counter pain relief if needed.
It can take several weeks to fully recover from squint surgery. Avoid activities that could result in anything getting into your eyes such as washing your hair. Avoid playing any sports for about two weeks. You should not swim for about one month following squint surgery.
Discuss any return to work or school with your consultant.
Most people make a good recovery from squint surgery. As with any procedure there could be complications.
General complications may include:
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Infection
Specific complications of squint surgery may include:
- Continued squint
- Localised bleeding in the eye
- Injury to the eyeball (rare)