Squint Eye Treatment

What is a squint eye?

Squint, or strabismus, is a condition in which an individual’s eyes aren’t aligned properly, and it can affect people of all age groups. This condition often causes one eye to point in a different direction than the other. Such misaligned eyes can result in double vision, reduced depth perception, and other visual discomforts. Can squint eye be corrected in adults is a major concern for many individuals suffering from the condition. Let’s first briefly understand why the squint eye develops in adults.

Causes of Squint (strabismus)

• Muscle imbalance:

  The most common cause is an imbalance in the eye muscles, making it challenging for both eyes to work together. This can be due to muscle weakness or neurological factors.

• Genetics:

  A family history of squint increases the risk, as genetics can play a role in the development of the condition.

• Refractive errors:

  Uncorrected vision problems, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness, can contribute to squint in adults as the eyes struggle to focus properly.

• Underlying health conditions:

  Certain neurological conditions, head injuries, or brain tumours can affect eye muscle coordination, potentially leading to squint.

• Lifestyle factors:

  Prolonged screen time, stress, and poor lighting can strain the eyes, exacerbating squint in some cases.

Signs and Symptoms of Squint Eye

• Eye strain, especially by the end of the day
• Frequent headaches
• Experiencing a sense of visual discomfort (you may observe this more while looking at distant of close up objects)

Types of Squint Eye

• Esotropia:

  Commonly known as “crossed eyes,” esotropia occurs when one or both eyes turn inward.

• Exotropia:

  This type of squint involves one or both eyes turning outward.

• Hypertropia and Hypotropia:

  These conditions involve vertical misalignment, with one eye positioned higher (hypertropia) or lower (hypotropia) than the other.

At Centre for Sight, our squint specialists employ advanced technologies to assess and address these specific challenges.

Diagnosis and Treatment for Squint in Adults

Identifying the early signs of squint in adults is crucial for maintaining optimal eye health. Individuals should be attentive to sudden misalignments, persistent squinting, tilting of the head, double vision, or difficulty focusing, as these may indicate the presence of a squint.

At Centre For Sight, our dedicated team emphasizes comprehensive eye examination for an accurate diagnosis. Early intervention is key, and the initial assessment helps create a proper course of action for squint eye treatment. 

Squint eye treatment in adults considers various factors, including the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Depending upon the types of squint in patients, non-surgical treatment of strabismus, such as prescription glasses or contact lenses, is often the initial consideration for squint eye treatment. Additionally, vision therapy comprising targeted exercises to enhance eye coordination may be recommended for adults with squint.

In cases where non-surgical treatments of strabismus are insufficient, several other treatment options are available. Eye exercises play a crucial role in improving eye coordination and muscle control. Prism eyeglasses can also be prescribed to manipulate the way light enters the eyes, reducing the impact of the misalignment.

Squint Eye Surgery Procedure 

In instances where these measures prove inadequate, squint surgery becomes a viable option for adults. Squint eye surgery is an outpatient procedure involving the precise adjustment of eye muscles to realign the eyes, and our skilled eye surgeons perform these interventions with utmost precision, ensuring minimal discomfort and a swift recovery.

Benefits of Squint Eye Surgery

• Enhanced ocular alignment: Through squint eye surgery, patients achieve harmonized eye alignment, allowing them to gaze in the same direction, ensuring proper ocular symmetry.
• Diminished or eradicated diplopia: In adults troubled with double vision (diplopia), surgical squint eye treatment effectively addresses and eliminates this issue, particularly when strabismus is the underlying cause. If double vision persists due to other factors, the surgery may not fully resolve the condition.
• Restored sensory binocular vision: Strabismus often hinders depth perception as the visual fields of both eyes fail to overlap. Post-surgery, the fields converge, enabling depth perception and the formation of a unified 3-D image.
• Widened binocular visual field: Squint-related limitations in peripheral vision (usually confined to 120 degrees) are rectified by surgery, expanding the field to an impressive 190 degrees and allowing patients to comfortably observe their surroundings without turning their gaze.
• Correction of abnormal head position: Strabismus patients frequently adopt unconventional head postures to optimize vision. Following surgery, these abnormal positions are no longer necessary, and patients gradually overcome such habits.
• Enhanced social skills and self-image: Beyond its functional benefits, strabismus surgery provides cosmetic enhancements, eliminating the appearance of crossed eyes. This not only alleviates self-consciousness but also contributes to improved social confidence and self-image.

What complications can happen in Squint Surgery?

While strabismus surgery is generally a secure procedure, it shares common risks and complications inherent in any surgical procedure. Potential issues include:

• Immediate temporary side effects: These may arise from anesthesia or eye infection, but they typically pose short-term concerns without lasting repercussions.
• Vision impairment: In rare instances, structural damage to the eye or severe endophthalmitis (eye inflammation) may occur, leading to potential vision loss.
• Bulging eyes: Exophthalmos, or protruding eyes, can develop due to scarring behind the eye, pushing it forward as a result of muscle relocation.
• Eye deviation: Surgical overcorrection or under-correction of squint eye can contribute to increased eye deviation post-surgery.

Beyond these, minor complications such as infection, swelling, or breathing issues can also emerge post-strabismus surgery. Our skilled surgeons meticulously consider every potential scenario, ensuring adept resolution for patients to safely return home.

Recovering from Squint surgery

Complete recovery from squint eye surgery can take 4 to 6 months. Early days may show pink tears and some swelling, managed with prescribed medications. Most activities can resume in 1-2 days, but avoid eye-straining tasks, sports, and swimming. Regular follow-ups with the eye doctor are crucial. A balanced diet aids healing.

Immediate benefits include aligned eyes. Long-term, annual eye exams are vital for identifying and managing changes. In case of recurrence, a revision eye muscle surgery may be recommended.

Squint Prevention

Squint prevention involves a combination of awareness and early intervention. Regular eye check-ups, especially during childhood, can help identify refractive errors or muscle imbalances that may lead to squint. Encouraging activities that promote eye coordination, such as reading and playing, can contribute to healthy visual development. 

Limiting excessive screen time and ensuring well-lit environments also play a role. Addressing any detected vision issues promptly and consulting an eye care professional for guidance on eye exercises or corrective measures can significantly contribute to squint prevention. Additionally, fostering a balanced and nutritious diet supports overall eye health, minimizing the risk of factors that may contribute to squint development.

What to expect after strabismus surgery

Following the squint eye surgery, a vigilant monitoring phase is essential. Antibiotics are administered to prevent infection in the treated eye, and pain medications are delivered through the IV line.
Some mild nausea may be expected due to the anesthesia. A few hours post-surgery, the ophthalmologist will conduct a thorough examination. If no complications are evident, you get the permission to return home. The medical team will also provide comprehensive instructions for post-surgery eye care and details for upcoming follow-ups. 

Why Choose Centre For Sight For Squint Eye Treatments in Adults ?

Centre for Sight is your reliable choice for treating squint eyes, combining expert care with the latest technology. Our skilled eye specialists provide personalized treatment squint eye tailored to your unique needs. Renowned for excellence, we use state-of-the-art tools for precise assessments. Our commitment to innovation is reflected in our advanced, comfortable surgical techniques that deliver optimal results.

At Centre for Sight, we prioritize empowering patients. Our transparency builds trust, ensuring you make well-informed decisions about your treatment. Safety is our top priority, and our clinics uphold the highest standards to provide a secure environment for everyone.

Choose Centre for Sight for squint eye treatment to benefit from a seamless mix of expertise, technology, and caring support. Regain confidence in your vision with us – where excellence meets compassion.