Squint correction surgery

Strabismus surgery

A surgical procedure to correct squints in adults and children

What is squint correction?

Corrective surgery can improve the alignment of the eyes to help them work in unison.

It can be performed on children and adults but the earlier a squint is identified, the more effective treatment tends to be.

Squint correction surgery is one of the most common procedures in the ophthalmology department at The Portland Hospital.

Need to know

  • What happens during surgery? icon plus

    Squint correction surgery involves moving the muscles attached to the outside of the eye to a new position.

    There are two types of surgery (adjustable and non-adjustable) so exactly what happens during your or your child's procedure will depend on the procedure.  

    It is performed under general anaesthetic and usually takes less than an hour.  If your child is having squint correction surgery at The Portland Hospital they'll be accompanied by a paediatric nurse at all times.
  • How to prepare icon plus

    Your consultant will explain the preparation for the surgery. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. These will be explained to you. 
  • After surgery icon plus

    You or your child should be able to go home on the day of the operation. Following surgery, a pad may be placed over the eye. This is usually removed the next day. It can take several weeks to fully recover.

    During this time, there may be some pain or itchiness in the eye and temporary double vision.

    Squint correction surgery is low risk but it's not always possible to position the eye in the exact place. Therefore, more than one operation may be necessary. Squints corrected during childhood can reappear in later life. You should contact your consultant immediately if you or your child develop a new squint.  

Paying for medical treatment

You don’t need health insurance to have fast access to our top consultants, extensive range of treatments, diagnostic tests and surgical procedures at our world-class facilities.

Our ophthalmology consultants

We're proud to work with leading ophthalmologists, whose skills are matched by their integrity and compassion.

Our locations

From complex eye surgery to diagnostic tests and procedures, we provide exceptional ophthalmic care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.

Book an appointment

Our team can help with any enquiries or you can make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.

Call us today

020 7079 4344
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
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