What is Squint Correction

A “squint” is the common name for ‘strabismus’ or ‘heterotropia’, which is the medical term used to describe eyes that are not pointing in the same direction, or which are misaligned. Squints are also sometimes called 'lazy eye', to refer to a turned eye, but this is not an accurate description. Squints can be classified according to the direction of the turn of the eye: esotropia (convergent) refers to an eye that turns inwards towards the nose; exotropia (divergent) refers to an eye that points outwards; hypertropia is when eye is upwards. Binocular vision occurs when both eyes are looking towards the same direction, to produce a single, combined image at the brain.

The Operation

The surgical aims are re-alignment of the eye muscles where necessary to achieve satisfactory function and cosmetic appearance. This can mean that the non-squinting eye may be operated on. Since some patients may recover function over time surgery may not be considered initially. Patients need to be advised that, whilst accuracy in measuring and operating upon strabismus is essential, the response to surgery is variable and cannot be guaranteed.