Squint Surgery

Print this leaflet

Squint (strabismus) surgery moves or adjusts the muscles on the outside of the eye so that the eyes line up better. It does not involve cutting into the eye itself. In children it can help develop binocular vision; in adults it improves alignment, appearance, double vision and confidence.

Before surgery

• Glasses and patching are usually tried first, because some squints improve with them.
• Measurements of the squint are repeated at more than one visit to plan exactly how much to move each muscle.
• Children have a general anaesthetic; many adults do too, though some operations are done under local anaesthetic. Follow the fasting instructions you are given.

During surgery

The surgeon makes a small opening in the thin clear skin over the white of the eye, then loosens (recesses), tightens (resects or plicates) or repositions one or more muscles with dissolving stitches. Surgery usually takes 30 to 90 minutes, and you normally go home the same day. In some adults, adjustable stitches allow fine-tuning a few hours later.

After surgery

• The eye is red and sore for a few days; redness can take 2 to 6 weeks to fade completely.
• Antibiotic and steroid drops are used for 2 to 4 weeks.
• Mild double vision is common for a few days to weeks as the brain adjusts.
• Children can usually return to school after about a week. Avoid swimming for 2 weeks and keep dirty water and dust out of the eye.
• Glasses and patching often need to continue after surgery.

Contact us promptly if

• Increasing pain, swelling or discharge
• Reduced vision
• Fever, or the child seems very unwell

Frequently asked questions

Related: Squint (Strabismus) Treatment Ahmedabad, ત્રાંસી આંખો, Patching for Lazy Eye.

This leaflet gives general information and does not replace advice from your own eye doctor. Reviewed by Dr. Dhaval Patel, MD (Ophthalmology, AIIMS New Delhi), November 2026.