Here are some key points about squints and squint surgery:

 

Types of Squints:

1. Esotropia: One eye turns inward, often referred to as “cross-eyed.”

2. Exotropia: One eye turns outward.

3. Hypertropia: One eye turns upward.

4. Hypotropia: One eye turns downward.

 

Causes:

 

• Squints can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, nerve or muscle disorders, or even refractive errors (e.g., farsightedness).

• In children, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent vision problems and help the eyes work together correctly.

 

Non-Surgical Treatment:

 

• In many cases, non-surgical treatments like glasses, eye exercises, or eye patches may be used to correct or manage squints, especially in children.

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Squint Surgery:

 

• Squint surgery is a surgical procedure to correct the misalignment of the eyes.

• The surgery involves adjusting the position of eye muscles to improve eye alignment and coordination.

• It is primarily performed under general anesthesia 

• The surgeon makes small incisions in the tissue covering the eye muscles and adjusts the tension or length of these muscles to align the eyes properly.

• The goal of squint surgery is to improve the alignment of the eyes, allowing for better binocular vision, eliminating double vision and improving an individual's confidence and interactions 

 

Recovery and Follow-Up:

 

• Recovery from squint surgery is typically relatively quick, and most patients can return to their regular activities within a few days to a week.

• After surgery, patients may experience temporary discomfort, swelling, or redness around the eyes.

• Follow-up appointments with the eye surgeon are essential to monitor progress and ensure the eyes remain properly aligned.

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It’s important to note that the specific approach to squint surgery can vary depending on the individual’s age, the severity of the squint, and its underlying cause.