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Squint surgery aims to reduce a squint.

Squint (strabismus) can present in adults as well as children. Also known as wall-eyed the eyes point in different directions. Sometimes one eye stays focused while the other drifts in an opposite direction.

If conservative methods to correct squint are not successful your consultant may recommend surgery.

What happens during squint surgery?

Squint surgery is usually performed under general anaesthetic and takes about 40 minutes.

Your surgeon will separate one or more eye muscles and reattach them, making them tighter or looser than they were before depending on the correction that needs to be made. Once the muscles are in the correct position they will be stitched into place using dissolvable stitches.

Going home after squint surgery

Squint surgery is usually done as a day case meaning you should be able to go home the day of the procedure.

Your eyes may be sore or feel scratchy for the first few days. Take over the counter pain relief if needed.

It can take several weeks to fully recover from squint surgery. Avoid activities that could result in anything getting into your eyes such as washing your hair. Avoid playing any sports for about two weeks. You should not swim for about one month following squint surgery.

Discuss any return to work or school with your consultant.

Most people make a good recovery from squint surgery. As with any procedure there could be complications.

General complications may include:

  • Pain
  • Bleeding
  • Infection

Specific complications of squint surgery may include:

  • Continued squint
  • Localised bleeding in the eye
  • Injury to the eyeball (rare)


Squint surgery consultants at Oxford, The Manor Hospital

Oxford, The Manor Hospital

Beech Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7RP

01865 307777

Please note, there is only limited parking available at our hospital. Our car park is now managed by EURO CARPARKS. Patients and visitors are required to input their car registration in to the panels located in the main reception areas to avoid a fine. Parking T&Cs are detailed on signs in the car park.

Reception and all general enquiries 01865 307777
New treatment enquiries 01865 307750
Diagnostic Imaging (appointments and enquiries) 01865 307 437
Nurses' Station (for inpatients only) 01865 307 579
Physiotherapy (appointments only) 0333 305 7905
Physiotherapy (enquiries) 01865 307 533
Accounts 01865 987 653

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