Squint

Squint, the misalignment of the two eyes, is a common condition that affects 1 out of 20 children. However, thanks to advances in ophthalmology, it is treatable and non-surgical versus surgical options are available. If you or your child suffers from this eye condition, keep reading to learn more about possible treatments for squint.

What is a Squint?

Squint, also known as strabismus, is an eye condition where the eyes point in different directions. While one eye looks forward, the other eye can turn inwards (convergent), outwards (divergent), or less likely upwards or downwards (vertical). Even though it is a common condition in young children, this medical condition may occur at any age.

The main reason of squint is the imbalance between the eye muscles. Therefore, the treatment includes the strengthening and weakening of these muscles surgically or non-surgically. Most adults decide to have squint surgery, not only to correct the appearance of their eyes or to reduce double vision but also to improve their self-confidence as it affects their self-image and social life negatively.

When it comes to the symptoms of strabismus; eyestrain, double vision and headaches are the most common problems. This condition may occur all the time or only sometimes. Therefore, it is important to make sure that whether or not the squint is present due to an underlying health problem, such as a trauma or an illness that may damage the muscles in the eyes.

Types of Squint

There are three types of adult strabismus:

• Non-paralytic Squint

It is usually congenital, double vision (diplopia) is absent, and both eyes have full movement when tested separately.

• Paralytic Squint

Mostly, it occurs when the extraocular muscles or their nerves are damaged and double vision (diplopia) is usual.

• Restrictive Squint

It is characterized by a limitation of motility in rotating the eyes in a certain direction.

Is it possible to treat a Squint?

Thanks to the advances in surgical techniques, squint can be treated at any age. Also, this eye operation is quite common and has a success rate of %60-%80. Therefore, most of the patients are satisfied with the results after the surgery. Yet, depending on the nature and degree of the squint, some patients may require a second operation.

Squint Treatment

Based on the type and degree of the squint, non-surgical or surgical treatment can be recommended. Non-surgical treatments for a squint include eye exercises, glasses, prisms, and Botox (botulinum toxin). On the other hand, non-surgical treatments are unsuitable for patients with severe squints. To correct a squint successfully and permanently, a surgical operation can be considered.

Squint surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon moves the eye muscles that control the position and motility of the eyes, by tightening or loosening them. This surgery can be carried out in two ways: adjustable and non-adjustable. In adjustable surgery, the surgeon is able to pull the adjustable sutures when the patient is awake, in order to align the eye position for a better final result.

Since it is a minor operation, squint surgery usually takes less than an hour and is carried out as a day case. So, the patients are allowed to go home the same day.

Squint Surgery Recovery

After the surgery, most patients experience discomfort, double vision, itchiness and redness in the eye, which will fade gradually within three weeks. Following the surgery, painkillers and eye drops that reduce inflammation and prevent infection are prescribed by the surgeon. Taking a week off is usually recommended.

Squint Surgery Prices in Turkey

Thanks to advances in medical technology and ophthalmology, squint surgeries are performed successfully by experienced surgeons in Turkey. The prices of squint surgery in Turkey are much more affordable than in other countries. In order to get more information about squint surgery prices in Turkey, please contact us.