Squint Service

​The adjustment of the muscles of the eye to correctly align the eyes is the most common eye operation performed in children.Eyes can be straightened virtually at any age- from as early as 4-5 months and whenever necessary in adulthood. A squint operation may take from 15-40 minutes.

The procedure is relatively straightforward and the results are good but not perfect. In most patients there is an 80-90% chance of the eyes being correctly aligned postoperatively. This means more than one operation will sometimes be required. The phases of the operation are-

Preoperative Assessment
It is extremely important to accurately measure the angle of deviation preoperatively. This is performed using prisms to neutralise the turn. It is also necessary to know preoperatively whether there is any paralysis or restriction of function of the eye muscles as this can affect the outcome and limit chance of correction.

Anesthetic
In children a General Anesthetic is employed.Adults can in certain circumstances have the procedure performed under Local Anesthetic. This makes it possible to optimize alignment in the course of the procedure.
If this is not possible, in older children or cooperative adults an "adjustable suture" technique can be combined with a General Anesthetic so that alignment can be optimized postoperatively.

Operation

• The loose lining (conjunctiva) of the eye is opened to allow the anterior end of the eye muscles to be viewed.
• The eye muscles are approached,  may be tightened by removing a small segment (resection) and reattaching it to the eye or conversely loosened by reattaching the muscle further posteriorly on the globe (recession). Other procedures may be utilized to vary the muscle's effect on movement- (eg transposing the muscle to affect rotation)
• The lining is reapplied and sutured into place.

Post-operative Care
When fully awake the patient is allowed to go home. Eye-drops are normally prescribed. Some medication is also prescribed to minimize pain and discomfort. Severe pain is rare following these operations but the eye will be sore for 24hours and remain red for several days. Nausea and vomiting occasionally occurs but is minimized with appropriate pre-operative medication.
Review
On the first day, at 1 week and 1 month. The final result of surgery is usually known within one month. Children require follow-up until they are no longer at risk of developing amblyopia.