Why Timely Squint Surgery Matters for Children
Parents often worry when they notice that their child’s eyes don’t seem aligned. One eye might turn inwards or outwards, especially when the child is tired or focusing on something far away. This condition, commonly known as squint or strabismus, is more than just a cosmetic issue — it can affect how your child sees the world, both now and in the future.
As a pediatric eye specialist, I see many cases where children are brought in late, often after crucial developmental milestones have passed. The earlier we detect and treat squint, the better the chances of restoring proper alignment and preventing long-term vision problems.
Understanding Squint: What’s Really Happening?
Squint occurs when the muscles that control eye movement don’t work in coordination. This misalignment can cause the brain to “ignore” the image from the affected eye to avoid double vision. Over time, this can lead to amblyopia (commonly called “lazy eye”), where the vision in one eye becomes weaker because the brain simply stops using it.
Squint can also affect depth perception, eye-hand coordination, and self-esteem — especially as the child grows older.
Why Early Treatment Is So Important
There’s a window during early childhood when the brain is highly adaptable — this is when both eyes learn to work together. If that window passes without proper alignment, it becomes much harder to restore full binocular vision later.
That’s why it’s important to bring your child for an eye check-up as soon as you notice anything unusual, like eye turning, squinting, or tilting the head while focusing. Even if it seems intermittent, it’s worth getting evaluated.
Does Every Child with Squint Need Surgery?
Not always. In some cases, squint is caused by an uncorrected refractive error and can be managed with glasses alone. Other times, we may start with patching therapy to strengthen the weaker eye or recommend vision exercises.
However, in moderate to severe cases — especially where glasses don’t help — surgery is often the best option. The goal of surgery is to adjust the eye muscles so that the eyes are aligned properly.
What to Expect from Squint Surgery
At Shantanu Netralaya, we offer modern squint surgery under safe and controlled conditions. It’s a day-care procedure in most cases, meaning your child can usually go home the same day. The surgery itself is painless and performed under general anesthesia for children.
We use refined techniques that focus on both function and appearance, ensuring not only alignment but also preserving or restoring binocular vision when possible.
A Few Common Questions from Parents
Q: At what age can squint surgery be done?
If needed, surgery can be safely performed even in toddlers, often around 1–2 years of age. The timing depends on the type and severity of the squint.
Q: Will the squint come back after surgery?
In some cases, especially if the underlying cause persists, a squint can recur. Regular follow-up and appropriate glasses help maintain long-term results.
Q: Is it harmful to delay surgery?
Yes. Delay can lead to permanent loss of depth perception and weak vision in the affected eye. The earlier the treatment, the better the outcome.
Final Thoughts
As a parent, noticing a squint in your child can be worrying. But with timely intervention, we can often correct the problem and give your child the gift of clear, aligned vision — and the confidence that comes with it.
If you have concerns about your child’s eye alignment or have been advised to consult a squint specialist, don’t hesitate to reach out. A simple check-up can make all the difference.
Dr. Manisha Mishra
Pediatric Ophthalmologist, MS (Ophth)
Shantanu Netralaya, Varanasi
📞 [8318665154]
🌐 www.shantanunetralaya.com