Introduction to Squint and Pediatric Surgery
Squint, also known as strabismus, is a condition where the eyes are not properly aligned. Pediatric eye surgery focuses on correcting these misalignments to improve vision, restore cosmetic appearance, and address underlying anatomical issues.
At Complete Eye Care, we specialize in advanced squint surgery and pediatric eye treatments. Our experienced ophthalmologists use the latest techniques to ensure precise alignment and long-lasting results for children and adults alike.
The most common type of squint surgery is strabismus surgery, where minor adjustments are made to the eye muscles to realign the eyes. Another advanced procedure, AESCulizer surgery, is used for cases where the extraocular muscles are not correctly attached to the eyeball. Pediatric surgeons also manage other conditions such as amblyopia (lazy eye) and ptosis (drooping eyelid), offering therapies like patching or surgical correction.
What is a Squint?
A squint occurs when the eyes fail to align properly, causing one eye to turn inward (esotropia), outward (exotropia), upward (hypertropia), or downward (hypotropia). Squints may be constant or intermittent and can affect one or both eyes.
Common causes include:
● Refractive errors: Poor focus of light on the retina
● Muscle imbalance: Unequal tension in the eye muscles
● Nerve palsy: Damage to nerves controlling eye movement
● Genetic conditions: Family history of strabismus
Early detection is crucial. Many children require squint surgery to correct alignment, typically performed as a day procedure under general anesthesia.
Causes of Squint in Children
Squints in children may develop due to:
● Genetics: Family history increases risk
● Neurological conditions: Disorders like cerebral palsy or Down syndrome
● Premature birth: Premature infants are more prone to eye alignment issues
● Refractive errors: Difficulty focusing light on the retina
Types of Squint
● Congenital squint: Present from birth, often hereditary
● Acquired squint: Develops later due to injury or medical conditions such as Graves’ disease
Both types can be effectively treated with pediatric eye surgery, depending on severity and patient age.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Squint
Diagnosis begins with a comprehensive eye examination, including:
● Cover testing: Checks eye alignment when each eye is alternately covered
● Ocular motility assessment: Evaluates the movement of the eyes
● Refractive evaluation: Determines vision correction needs
● Fundus examination: Checks retina and optic nerve
Treatment options include:
● Glasses: Correct small-angle squints
● Squint surgery (Strabismus surgery): Aligns the eyes for improved vision and appearance
● Advanced procedures: Such as AESCulizer surgery for complex cases
● Lazy eye (Amblyopia) treatment: Patching therapy to strengthen the weaker eye
● Ptosis surgery: Corrects drooping eyelids to restore normal vision
Complete Eye Care ensures personalized care, combining advanced technology with expert pediatric ophthalmologists to deliver the best outcomes.
