Can squint return after surgery? The short answer is yes, possibilities are there!
But the good news is that the chances of recurrence of squint eye are very rare.
Let us understand better. A squint, or strabismus, is a condition where the eyes are not aligned properly and look in different directions. This can occur in one or both eyes, and it can be inward (esotropia), outward (exotropia), upward (hypertropia), or downward (hypotropia). If left untreated, squint eyes may cause blurred vision, lazy eyes, or reduced depth perception.
Fortunately, several treatment options are available, and squint eye surgery is the most effective. Squint eye surgery aims to correct the eyes’ alignment by adjusting the muscles that control eye movement. It is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, typically taking 30 minutes to 1 hour.
While squint surgery is generally safest and effective in correcting the misalignment, the squint may return after surgery. But what are the reasons for recurrence?
Time to find out!
Now, the exact cause of squint recurrence is not fully understood, but several factors may contribute to it, including:
Severity of Initial Squint: Some studies show that a more severe squint may have a slightly higher risk of recurrence.
Underlying Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disease or Down syndrome, can increase the risk of squint recurrence.
Trauma: Injury to the eye muscles after squint eye surgery can lead to misalignment and recurrence.
Post-Operative Care: Improper adherence to post-operative instructions, such as not wearing corrective glasses or attending follow-up appointments, can increase the risk of recurrence.
Incomplete Correction: In some cases, the initial surgery may not fully correct the underlying muscle imbalance, leaving some residual misalignment that can worsen over time.
How to Manage Recurrence of Squint?
Recurrent squints are often treatable. If you experience any of the signs mentioned above, you must promptly consult the best squint specialist in Delhi. Depending on the severity and cause of the recurrence, several treatment options may be available:
- Exercises: Sometimes, the squint may be minor and corrected with eye exercises. These exercises help strengthen the eye muscles and improve coordination.
- Re-Adjustment of Eye Muscles: Sometimes, a simple re-adjustment of the existing sutures or minor surgery may be sufficient to correct the alignment.
Additional Surgery: In some cases, a second surgery may be necessary to correct the alignment.
How do you reduce the risks of squint recurrence?
While complete prevention of squint recurrence is not always possible, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk:
- Choose an Experienced Surgeon: Opting for a qualified and experienced eye specialist in Delhi specialising in strabismus surgery can significantly improve the success rate.
- Follow Your Ophthalmologist Post-Operative Instructions: Follow your eye doctor’s instructions carefully for a quick and smooth recovery. These instructions may include wearing corrective glasses, attending follow-up appointments, and avoiding activities that could strain the eyes.
- Maintain Good Eye Health: Regular eye exams and preventive measures, such as controlling diabetes or thyroid disease, can contribute to overall eye health and reduce the risk of complications.
If you are considering squint eye surgery but are worried about its recurrence, schedule your consultation with Dr Anisha Gupta, a highly qualified and expert eye specialist in Delhi. She will assess your eye condition and provide a personalized treatment option.