Squint correction surgery

Need to know

• What happens 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 (meaning you will be asleep) and usually takes less than an hour.  If your child is having squint correction surgery at one of our hospitals they'll be accompanied by a paediatric nurse at all times.

• How to prepare icon plus

  Your consultant will tell you how to prepare for your procedure. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. These will be explained to you. 

• Afterwards 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.