SQUINT SURGERY

What is Squint?

Squint also known as strabismus, is a condition where the eyes are misaligned and point in different directions. Normally, both eyes focus on the same point, allowing the brain to combine the images from each eye into a single, clear picture.

In individuals with squint, one eye may look straight ahead while the other may turn inward, outward, upward, or downward. This misalignment results in the brain receiving two different images, which can cause double vision or lead the brain to suppress the image from the misaligned eye. Over time, this can result in lazy eye (amblyopia).
Squint can be either constant, where the misalignment is always present, or intermittent, appearing only at specific times. Early detection, especially in children, is crucial to prevent long-term vision issues.

Early detection of squint is critical, particularly in children, as it can prevent long-term vision issues. Untreated squint in childhood can lead to amblyopia, where the brain ignores the image from the weaker eye, resulting in permanent vision loss in that eye.
Pediatric eye exams are crucial for identifying squint early on, even in infants and toddlers who may not yet display noticeable symptoms. Parents should look out for signs of squint in their child, such as misaligned eyes or the child covering one eye while focusing.
If detected early, squint can often be treated successfully, allowing for normal vision development.

Types of Squint:

Squint, or strabismus, can be categorized based on the direction of eye misalignment:

  • Esotropia: The eye turns inward toward the nose. This is a common type of squint, especially in young children.
  • Exotropia: The eye turns outward, away from the nose. Exotropia often occurs intermittently, particularly when the individual is tired or distracted.
  • Hypertropia: The eye turns upward.
  • Hypotropia: The eye turns downward. Each type of squint requires a tailored treatment plan, and an accurate diagnosis by an eye specialist is essential for effective management.

Symtoms Of Squint:

The most noticeable symptom of squint is the visible misalignment of the eyes. However, there are other signs that may suggest the presence of strabismus, including:

  1. Double Vision : People with squint may experience seeing two images of the same object.
  2. Eye Strain or Discomfort: Individuals may feel tired or strained in their eyes, especially when focusing on nearby objects.
  3. Closing One Eye to See Better: This is a common behavior in children as they try to compensate for the misalignment.
  4. Poor Depth Perception: Squint can affect the ability to judge distances accurately, making activities like catching a ball or driving difficult.
  5. Head Tilt: Some individuals may tilt their head to one side to minimize double vision and improve focus.

Treatment For Squint:

A. Non-Surgical Treatment
At Kenia Eye Hospital, specialized glasses known as prisms are used to treat sudden onset double vision. These glasses serve as a temporary solution and can later be incorporated into regular spectacles. In some cases, prisms can also improve the appearance of a squint when surgery is not an option.

B. Botox Treatment
For adults and sometimes children, Botulinum toxin (Botox) may be the first treatment option. The toxin is injected into the eye muscle, temporarily paralyzing the muscle causing the squint. This helps balance the forces responsible for the misalignment. Initially, the eye may overcorrect and move in the opposite direction of the squint, but it will gradually straighten over time. Repeated injections are often necessary to maintain the corrected position.

C. Surgical Option

Surgical correction involves adjusting the eye muscles in one or both eyes, depending on the degree and direction of the squint. The muscles are either tightened or loosened to align the eyes. In cases of convergent squint (when the eye turns inward), the muscle responsible for pulling the eye inward (medial rectus) is moved back, and the outer muscle (lateral rectus) is tightened to straighten the eye. The extent of the surgery is determined using normograms, which are tables based on results from muscle surgeries in thousands of patients.

Call us