Medically reviewed by Dr. Niranjana Bejan Singh. Written to established clinical-education standards (AAO/Mayo/NHS/NEI) and adapted for this hospital. Not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Strabismus surgery corrects a squint — a misalignment where the two eyes do not point in the same direction at the same time. The surgeon adjusts the position, tension, or length of one or more of the six small muscles attached to the outside of the eyeball that control its movement, working through the surface tissue (conjunctiva) rather than through the eye itself. Realigning the eyes can restore or improve the ability of both eyes to work together (binocular vision) and depth perception, and in children it is often part of the wider treatment plan alongside glasses and amblyopia (lazy eye) therapy.
Who typically needs this
- Children with a constant or large-angle squint that is not fully corrected by glasses or a period of patching are usually considered first for surgery.
- Adults who develop double vision from a squint (from childhood strabismus, a nerve palsy, thyroid eye disease, or after other eye surgery) that glasses or prisms cannot resolve.
- Children or adults whose squint affects self-confidence, social interaction, or school/work life may choose surgery for functional and cosmetic reasons.
- In accommodative squints (caused by uncorrected long-sightedness), glasses are tried first and surgery is reserved for the portion of the misalignment glasses cannot fix.
What to expect
- Before surgery, an orthoptist or ophthalmologist measures the angle of misalignment in different positions of gaze and checks eye movements.
- In children, the operation is done under general anaesthesia, usually as day surgery; adults may be offered local or regional anaesthesia in some cases.
- The surgeon reaches the eye muscle through the conjunctiva — there is no skin incision or visible cut on the outside of the eye.
- The muscle is either moved further back on the eyeball (recession, to weaken its pull) or shortened (resection, to strengthen its pull), and secured with dissolvable stitches.
- One or two muscles are usually treated per session, and the procedure typically takes 45 to 90 minutes.
Recovery
- Redness, soreness, and watering of the eye are common for one to two weeks and gradually settle.
- Antibiotic and/or steroid eye drops are prescribed for a few weeks to reduce inflammation and prevent infection.
- Most children return to school within a few days; adults are usually advised to avoid swimming and rubbing the eyes for several weeks.
- A follow-up visit checks eye alignment; a smaller number of patients need a further adjustment or a second procedure if the correction is not complete.
Risks to know about
- As with any surgery under anaesthesia, there are standard anaesthetic risks, discussed beforehand by the anaesthetist.
- The eyes may end up slightly under- or over-corrected, occasionally needing glasses, prisms, or further surgery to fine-tune alignment.
- Infection, bleeding, or scarring at the surgical site are recognised but uncommon complications.
- Temporary double vision after surgery is common as the brain readjusts; it is rarely permanent.
Frequently asked questions
Will surgery completely fix my child's squint in one operation?
Most children see a significant improvement in alignment, but some — especially with larger or more complex squints — need a further, smaller adjustment later.
Does the surgery improve my child's vision?
Surgery realigns the eyes and helps them work together; it does not by itself treat amblyopia (lazy eye), which is managed separately with glasses or patching if present.
Is it painful for a child?
Most children have mild discomfort and redness that is managed with prescribed drops and paracetamol, and they return to normal activity within days.
Can adults have this surgery too?
Yes — strabismus surgery is performed at any age, including in adults, for double vision, discomfort, or the visual and social impact of a squint.
Ready to see us?
Call the appointment desk, or book online — we will confirm your time by phone.
Sources consulted: AAO — What Is Strabismus Surgery?, NHS — Squint (Strabismus), AAPOS — Strabismus (Glossary) . General medical information — not a substitute for professional diagnosis. Medically reviewed by Dr. Niranjana Bejan Singh.
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