Squints (Strabismus) Treatment | Singapore National Eye Centre

Strabismus (Squint) - Treatments

How is strabismus (squint) treated?

Treatment varies with the type of squint present. In some, non-medical treatment (e.g. spectacles, eye patching, eye exercises, etc.) are more appropriate; while in others, eye muscle surgery is necessary.

As squints may occasionally be associated with an underlying brain or eye problem, the ophthalmologist would perform a thorough eye examination and may order further investigations to exclude such problems.

What are the aims of strabismus (squint) surgery?

The aim of the procedure is to re-align the eyes so as to either:

Improve the ability of the eyes to work together (improve binocularity), or
Reduce or eliminate double vision, or
Reduce or eliminate an abnormal head posturing (e.g. head turn or tilt), or
Improve the appearance of the patient

What does strabismus (squint) surgery involve?

Strabismus surgery is a procedure performed on the muscles controlling eye movements. The specific type of eye muscle surgery will depend on the type of strabismus.

The surgery may be done under general anaesthesia (i.e. with the patient fully asleep); or under topical anaesthesia (i.e. with eye numbing eye drops) in co-operative patients.

An incision is made on the conjunctiva (i.e. the transparent layer of membrane covering the white part of the eye), then the eye muscles are located under this membrane and repositioned (i.e. either moved or shortened).

Absorbable sutures are used in most cases, these will dissolve and do not require removal. Non-absorbable sutures may also be used in special circumstances. The conjunctiva is then repositioned over the surgical site with absorbable sutures.