• Overview

Or call us on

02380 266 377

Squint surgery aims to reduce a squint.

Squint (strabismus) can present in adults as well as children. Also known as wall-eyed the eyes point in different directions. Sometimes one eye stays focused while the other drifts in an opposite direction.

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)


Wessex Hospital

Winchester Road, Chandlers Ford, Eastleigh, SO53 2DW

02380 266 377

By car: our hospital is conveniently located just off Junction 12 of the M3 between Southampton and Winchester, with free parking available. Parking Eye is in operation at this site, please ensure you input your car registration on one of the portals at the main reception. By public transport: the nearest train station is Chandlers Ford - a 20-minute train journey from Southampton Central station. The 1 Bluestar bus, which serves Southampton, Chandlers Ford and Winchester, is just 5 minutes walk from the hospital.

Switchboard 02380 266 377
Enquiries 02380 266 377
Physiotherapy 0345 0454845
Radiology 02380 258 409

Ways to pay

Nuffield Health promise

Our prices are all-inclusive. We will equal any comparable price. There are no time limits on your aftercare.

Paying for yourself

There are no hidden costs in our treatment prices. The price you see is the price you pay.

Find out more

Personal medical loan

Spread the cost of your treatment with a 6, 10 or 12 month 0% personal medical loan.

Find out more

Medical insurance

We work with you and your insurance provider to get you the treatment you need quickly

Find out more