Squint (Strabismus) in Children: When is Surgery Necessary?
Squint (medically called strabismus) is a common eye condition in children where the eyes do not align properly—one eye may turn inward, outward, upward, or downward while the other focuses normally. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision problems like lazy eye (amblyopia) and depth perception issues.
At LJ Eye Institute, Ambala, our pediatric ophthalmologists specialize in diagnosing and treating squint with non-surgical and surgical methods.
This article explains:
- What causes squint in children?
- When does a child need squint surgery?
- Advanced treatment options at LJ Eye Institute
What Causes Squint (Strabismus) in Children?
1. Muscle Imbalance
- The eye muscles do not work together properly.
- Can be present at birth (congenital) or develop later.
2. Refractive Errors
- Uncorrected farsightedness (hyperopia) can force the eyes to turn inward.
3. Nerve Problems
- Weakness or paralysis of eye muscles due to neurological issues.
4. Genetic Factors
- Family history increases risk.
5. Other Conditions
- Cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, or premature birth may contribute.
Signs Your Child May Have Squint
- Eyes appear misaligned (one turns in/out/up/down)
- Frequent squinting or closing one eye
- Tilting head to see better
- Poor depth perception (difficulty catching objects)
- Complaints of double vision (in older kids)
Early detection is crucial! If you notice these signs, consult a pediatric eye specialist immediately.
When is Squint Surgery Necessary?
Not all squints require surgery. Treatment depends on:
- Type of squint
- Severity of misalignment
- Age of the child
- Response to non-surgical treatments
Non-Surgical Treatments (Tried First)
- Glasses – Corrects refractive errors.
- Eye Patching – Strengthens the weaker eye (if amblyopia exists).
- Vision Therapy – Eye exercises to improve coordination.
When Surgery is Recommended
- If glasses/patches don’t fix alignment
- Large-angle squint (cosmetic & functional concerns)
- Congenital squint (present since infancy)
- If the child develops double vision
Squint Surgery at LJ Eye Institute, Ambala
What Does the Surgery Involve?
- Adjusts eye muscle tension to realign the eyes.
- Performed under general anesthesia (child sleeps through the procedure).
- Takes 30-60 minutes, usually day-care (no overnight stay).
Advanced Techniques We Use
- Recession & Resection Surgery – Weakens/strengthens specific muscles.
- Adjustable Sutures (in older kids) – Fine-tunes alignment post-surgery.
- Minimally Invasive Approaches – Faster recovery, less discomfort.
Recovery & Results
- Mild redness/discomfort for a few days.
- Eye drops & follow-ups needed.
- 90% success rate in proper alignment.
Why Choose LJ Eye Institute for Squint Treatment?
- Expert Pediatric Ophthalmologists – Specialized in child eye care.
- Child-Friendly Environment – Reduces anxiety.
- Precision Diagnosis – Digital eye tracking, prism tests.
- Customized Treatment Plans – Glasses, therapy, or surgery as needed.