Procedure guide · Ophthalmology (paediatric and strabismus)
Squint surgery adjusts one or more of the muscles that move the eye so the eyes line up better. MedlinePlus says it is most often done in children, though adults have it too. Surgery may be suggested when glasses or eye exercises have not corrected the squint. For families travelling with a child, preparing the child and planning the follow-up visit both matter.
What is squint surgery?
A squint, or strabismus, means the eyes do not point in the same direction, so they cannot focus on the same object together. MedlinePlus explains that the surgeon makes a small cut in the clear tissue over the white of the eye and works on one or more eye muscles. A muscle can be shortened to strengthen it or moved further back on the eye to weaken it. One or both eyes may be operated on.
MedlinePlus says children have general anaesthesia and are asleep. Adults are usually awake with numbing medicine. In adults the surgeon may use an adjustable stitch so small changes can be made later that day or the next.
Who may be suitable for squint surgery?
MedlinePlus notes that surgery may be recommended when glasses or eye exercises do not improve the squint. It also explains that surgery does not fix poor vision in a lazy eye. That may still need glasses or patching. Adults may seek surgery for double vision or appearance. The eye surgeon and orthoptist decide whether surgery is appropriate and what it can realistically achieve.
What reports should you send first?
MedlinePlus describes orthoptic measurements of eye movement before surgery, plus a history and examination. Send what you already have:
- Orthoptic reports with squint measurements, ideally from more than one visit
- Glasses prescriptions and notes on patching or eye exercises tried
- Any earlier squint surgery notes
- Photographs showing the squint, including when looking in different directions
- Details of double vision, if present, and when it happens
- For children, any developmental or general health conditions and current medicines
The team in India will repeat measurements before deciding on the operation. That is expected.
How should you plan the trip?
- Assessment: orthoptic measurements and examination
- Pre-operative checks: MedlinePlus advises sharing all medicines and fasting before surgery
- Surgery: usually without an overnight stay
- Adjustment visit for adults with an adjustable stitch
- Follow-up: MedlinePlus describes a review with the surgeon after surgery
- Home: continued orthoptic care and any glasses or patching
MedlinePlus advises stopping certain blood thinners before surgery unless the surgeon says otherwise. Ask your own doctor before changing any medicine. A child must travel with a parent or guardian. Many families bring a second adult to help. Ask the hospital whether a parent can stay with the child before and after the anaesthetic.
What should you ask the eye hospital?
- Which muscles will you operate on and on one eye or both?
- Will you use an adjustable stitch?
- What can surgery achieve for my child’s or my own squint?
- Will glasses or patching still be needed afterwards?
- When is the follow-up visit and can it be done before we fly?
- Will you send full measurements and notes to our eye team at home?
IndiaMedica helps you share reports and plan the visit. The surgeon decides on suitability and when it is safe to travel.
Questions people ask
Is squint surgery done under general anaesthetic?
For children, yes. MedlinePlus says children have general anaesthesia. Adults are usually awake with numbing medicine and something to help them relax. The anaesthetist will discuss the plan with you before surgery.
Does squint surgery fix a lazy eye?
No. MedlinePlus explains that surgery does not correct the poor vision of a lazy eye. Glasses or patching may still be needed. Surgery aims to improve how the eyes line up. Ask the team how vision and alignment will each be managed.
What are the risks of squint surgery?
MedlinePlus lists the general risks of anaesthesia and surgery, such as bleeding and infection. It also lists rare risks including eye damage and permanent double vision. Your surgeon will explain the risks for you or your child before you sign the consent form.
Sources
General information, not medical or legal advice. Rules change: confirm with the official source. Your treating specialist decides on suitability, treatment and length of stay. How we write and check.