Squint surgery

Young_gunner · 13-04-2019 5:37pm #1

Hi there

I’m considering having surgery to correct a squint but I’m quite nervous about it!

Have many people here had this surgery?

Also, how does one know what eye the squint is in? (I appreciate this could be a very silly question). I’m not sure what my dominant eye is, or if that’s even relevant.

Thanks in advance, you’d be helping to calm a very nervous guy!

Arbie · 13-04-2019 10:29pm

Young_gunner wrote: »

Also, how does one know what eye the squint is in? (I appreciate this could be a very silly question). I’m not sure what my dominant eye is, or if that’s even relevant.

Not a silly question at all. The orthoptist (eye movement specialist) and the eye surgeon will do several tests to show them which eye is dominant and which one is misaligned. You will look in the distance and up close with glasses on and off. They will cover one eye and then the other, asking you to focus on the near or far object. They may also use special lenses called prisms to measure the differences between the eyes. Sometimes it is both eyes which alternate. At the end they make a calculation which tells the surgeons which muscles need to be operated on and how far they need to be adjusted.

BOON90 · 17-04-2019 2:45pm

INTERESTING TOPIC

job seeker · 21-04-2019 7:24pm

I had this done years ago in Sligo general hospital. After a few clinics I had the surgery done. It was a great success. I was asleep for the operation and after when I woke up. My eyes were itchy which is 100% normal.

What was basically done was the eye muscle behind the eye was loosened and stitched back together. I stayed in hospital over night and stitches dissolved after a number of weeks. My eyes were quite red and blood shot, but that was normal. I don't suffer with the squint a tall now and haven't since the surgery.

The squint was present and most noticeable, when I was tired. I myself never noticed it. However, family members stated it was very obvious.

Best of luck OP!

Young_gunner · 21-04-2019 7:35pm

job seeker wrote: »

I had this done years ago in Sligo general hospital. After a few clinics I had the surgery done. It was a great success. I was asleep for the operation and after when I woke up. My eyes were itchy which is 100% normal.

What was basically done was the eye muscle behind the eye was loosened and stitched back together. I stayed in hospital over night and stitches dissolved after a number of weeks. My eyes were quite red and blood shot, but that was normal. I don't suffer with the squint a tall now and haven't since the surgery.

The squint was present and most noticeable, when I was tired. I myself never noticed it. However, family members stated it was very obvious.

Best of luck OP!

Thanks a mill for the reply! (It never ceases to amaze how thoughtful strangers on the internet can be!)

I’m delighted it worked out for you job_seeker!

How do you mean you had a few clinics? I have had one appointment with an orthoptist.

I’m just wondering how they determine which eye to operate on? Depending which eye I look through, the squint appears in the opposite eye.

Like you, my squint is most noticeable when I’m tired - jeeeez, I really wish the surgery was over!

B

job seeker · 22-04-2019 2:38am

Young_gunner wrote: »

Thanks a mill for the reply! (It never ceases to amaze how thoughtful strangers on the internet can be!)

I’m delighted it worked out for you job_seeker!

How do you mean you had a few clinics? I have had one appointment with an orthoptist.

I’m just wondering how they determine which eye to operate on? Depending which eye I look through, the squint appears in the opposite eye.

Like you, my squint is most noticeable when I’m tired - jeeeez, I really wish the surgery was over!

B

No problem at all..

I actually came across your thread by chance, so thought I'd offer my 2 cent!

Thank you! I never looked back!

(See what I did there!)

I am referring to the appointments I had with the orthoptist. I am sure that I had two.

Apologise, After talking to my mother this evening. She recalls me having both eyes operated on.

Don't worry, I was in the exact same position as you OP. I was extremely worried up until the point I was put to sleep. It's only after the operation that I realised that there was no need to be worried! You'll be fine believe me.

But that's easier said than done! I understand that!

EDIT:

Arbie, has given a fantastic overview of the procedure.

I also came across this on the NHS website. It may be of interest!

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/squint/surgery/

Young_gunner · 22-04-2019 9:32am

job seeker wrote: »

No problem at all.. I actually came across your thread by chance, so thought I'd offer my 2 cent!

Thank you! I never looked back! (See what I did there!)

I am referring to the appointments I had with the orthoptist. I am sure that I had two.

Apologise, After talking to my mother this evening. She recalls me having both eyes operated on.

Don't worry, I was in the exact same position as you OP. I was extremely worried up until the point I was put to sleep. It's only after the operation that I realised that there was no need to be worried! You'll be fine believe me. But that's easier said than done! I understand that!

EDIT:

Arbie, has given a fantastic overview of the procedure.

I also came across this on the NHS website. It may be of interest!

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/squint/surgery/

Great!! Thanks a mill guys - I’ll update the thread after my op in about a month!

Thanks so much for everything - really cool

job seeker · 22-04-2019 2:00pm

Young_gunner wrote: »

Great!! Thanks a mill guys - I’ll update the thread after my op in about a month!

Thanks so much for everything - really cool

Any time! If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to ask!

Best of luck with the operation!

Young_gunner · 22-05-2019 3:54pm

Hi all - so I had the surgery yesterday and I’m back home recovering today and getting the gist of putting drops in my eyes....

Everything went really smoothly and I’m delighted and relieved it’s over!!

Will be another couple weeks before it’s completely over with - back for a check-up in 2-3 weeks!

Many thanks to everyone on this thread - you really helped me stay calm for the operation and were and invaluable source of information!!
If anyone stumbles across this thread in future and has any questions, pop me a PM!

Many thanks to all!!!!

....... · 22-05-2019 4:00pm

Great stuff - hope you make a great recovery!!

job seeker · 22-05-2019 8:55pm

Young_gunner wrote: »

Hi all - so I had the surgery yesterday and I’m back home recovering today and getting the gist of putting drops in my eyes....

Everything went really smoothly and I’m delighted and relieved it’s over!!

Will be another couple weeks before it’s completely over with - back for a check-up in 2-3 weeks!

Many thanks to everyone on this thread - you really helped me stay calm for the operation and were and invaluable source of information!!
If anyone stumbles across this thread in future and has any questions, pop me a PM!

Many thanks to all!!!!

Absolutely delighted for you!

Rest yourself now and take it easy!

Young_gunner · 22-05-2019 10:10pm

job seeker wrote: »

Absolutely delighted for you! Rest yourself now and take it easy!

Thanks so much job seeker! You’re awesome! ðŸ‘

Dufflecoat Fanny · 01-08-2019 7:36pm

Could someone give me an idea how much the procedure costs please

Young_gunner · 01-08-2019 11:28pm

Dufflecoat Fanny wrote: »

Could someone give me an idea how much the procedure costs please

I’m not sure - my health insurance paid for it - but I think it’s around €1k

Happy to answer any other questions you may have on the topic

job seeker · 02-08-2019 1:21am

Young_gunner wrote: »

I’m not sure - my health insurance paid for it - but I think it’s around €1k

Happy to answer any other questions you may have on the topic

I think it is around the 1k mark too, from memory!

You can go on waiting lists, but it’d take ages..

Lol2020 · 07-07-2020 11:26pm

Young_gunner wrote: »

Hi all - so I had the surgery yesterday and I’m back home recovering today and getting the gist of putting drops in my eyes....

Everything went really smoothly and I’m delighted and relieved it’s over!!

Will be another couple weeks before it’s completely over with - back for a check-up in 2-3 weeks!

Many thanks to everyone on this thread - you really helped me stay calm for the operation and were and invaluable source of information!!
If anyone stumbles across this thread in future and has any questions, pop me a PM!

Many thanks to all!!!!

Hi young gunner, can i ask where you had the surgery done please? And has it been a success for you?

Thank you

Young_gunner · 08-07-2020 8:04am

Lol2020 wrote: »

Hi young gunner, can i ask where you had the surgery done please? And has it been a success for you?

Thank you

Hi yes it was a clear success, over a year later and I couldn’t imagine still having the squint.

I got operated on by Michael o’Keeffe in the Mater Private. I think he may have had to leave there though due to his age - I wouldn’t go to any other surgeon though. I got a text recently
“All Professor O'Keeffe's clinics in the Mater Private are cancelled. If you want to continue to see Professor O Keeffe please contact the UPMC Kildare.“

frank93 · 14-12-2020 11:51pm

Hi Guys.

Contemplating getting the surgery done. Just a few questions from your experience of the recovery afterwards.

Did your squint ever come back after Surgery?. I know from experience when tired or consuming alcohol the squint would often get worse in my case. I'm just wondering will this be the same after the surgery only to a lesser extent. Or did it ever happen.

Appreciate any feedback.

Thanks.

job seeker · 15-12-2020 1:27am

frank93 wrote: »

Hi Guys.

Contemplating getting the surgery done. Just a few questions from your experience of the recovery afterwards.

Did your squint ever come back after Surgery?. I know from experience when tired or consuming alcohol the squint would often get worse in my case. I'm just wondering will this be the same after the surgery only to a lesser extent. Or did it ever happen.

Appreciate any feedback.

Thanks.

Nope. Never came back at all. I used to get it very bad when tired when I had it originally. But my mother said that it never happened after surgery. Whether tired or not. I think that you should go ahead if you wish to get it done. I went through Sligo General which is a public hospital (Normally people think it may be risky going public.) and had no issue at all with the surgery or after at all. You may even say...I never looked back!

Young_gunner · 15-12-2020 8:49am

frank93 wrote: »

Hi Guys.

Contemplating getting the surgery done. Just a few questions from your experience of the recovery afterwards.

Did your squint ever come back after Surgery?. I know from experience when tired or consuming alcohol the squint would often get worse in my case. I'm just wondering will this be the same after the surgery only to a lesser extent. Or did it ever happen.

Appreciate any feedback.

Thanks.

hi, same as previous poster, i had my surgery in May 2019 and no complaints since then - delighted i got it done.

i went to the Mater Private, but I think the surgeon who operated on me (Mr. O'Keeffe) is now working in a hospital in Clane, Kildare - he's excellent. feel free to post any more Qs you have - i found this thread so comforting at a very nervous time, and everyone went out of their way to be so helpful.

Cat_2012 · 12-03-2022 8:57pm

Hi,so glad I came across this! How are you getting on now after your surgery? Everything ok?

I've been referred for the same thing

henke · 12-03-2022 10:18pm

Hi, how do you go about a referral? Does it need to be GP? I was thinking of going private somewhere but in my case it's mild and people say they don't notice it but I notice myself when I take a photo and don't like it. It was corrected to a good degree as a child with patching but like others it can be worse when tired or overindulge in alcohol. I am wondering would I even get a referral if it's minor cosmetic or could you go to a private hospital for a consultation? Much thanks

Young_gunner · 12-03-2022 10:41pm

Hi

I didn't get a referral for the surgeon, I just emailed or called his office and asked for an appointment. A GP would not really have any expertise / knowledge in this area as far as I know.

henke · 12-03-2022 11:03pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118776060#Comment_118776060

That's a relief. I seen on the Mater's website some mention of referrals but it wasn't immediately clear to which procedures and then the previous poster mentioned it. I would feel a bit embarrassed going to a GP.

Does anyone have any insight in if they will treat it if it's mild (basically only me self consciece of it). I will contact the Mater this coming week and see. Any other private facilities to check out. I presume public will take a lot longer and would require some sort of referral?

Young_gunner · 14-03-2022 11:28am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118776178#Comment_118776178

The surgeon I used was Michael O'Keeffe - the best in the business. https://www.ioes.ie/about-the-institute/our-team/prof-michael-o-keeffe/

He's based in Kildare now.

xXx-Ginny-xXx · 17-06-2022 7:22pm

Sorry for jumping on this thread but I just have some questions in relation to Strabismus surgery.

I got referred to UPMC in Kildare. Does anyone have any idea of the cost if my insurance doesn’t cover it? I’m waiting until I have the consultation etc to enquire. I’ve also been told I need to see an orthoptist too to determine whether I’m a suitable candidate.

cheers in advance if anyone has any insight.

Young_gunner · 19-06-2022 8:22pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119217135#Comment_119217135

I think the cost is c.1k but not sure at all - yes seeing an orthoptist is necessary before the operation. Happy to help with any other questions.

xXx-Ginny-xXx · 20-06-2022 8:50pm

Thank you. I appreciate it. That’s actually a lot less than I was anticipating. I’m hoping my insurance covers 80% but I haven’t got the full details yet to enquire.

My appointment with the orthoptist is next week so hopefully when I return to Clane I’ll get a date for surgery and suss it out.

Young_gunner · 20-06-2022 10:09pm

Best of luck with it - i was very nervous before the operation, but delighted I got it done.

henke · 18-10-2022 9:04pm

I had a consultation at the Mater recently and said I would be a suitable candidate. With the tests they done they say double vision is not likely as I tend to suppress anyway in my weaker eye (the one that slightly wanders) so I am presuming my vision should be as it but cosmetically improved.

They mentioned weakening muscles on both eyes (need to read up more on this) as it adjusts the angle between somehow.

Has anyone had anything similar to this done and happy with the results?

I'm not in a major rush done but would like to have two eyes look the same direction and they said health insurance may cover it which would be a bonus.

Young_gunner · 19-10-2022 8:51am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119762503#Comment_119762503

Yes I had my surgery in the Mater, by Dr. O'Keeffe - he's outstanding. Very happy with the results.

henke · 19-10-2022 7:12pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119763716#Comment_119763716

It's a Dr. Farrell there now seems to know his stuff but not sure if anyone has any feedback on him.

Did they operate on just one eye for you or both? He mentioned his preference for mine is weaken muscles on both.

Young_gunner · 20-10-2022 8:49am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119767066#Comment_119767066

just operated on one eye for me. I think Prof O'Keeffe in in Clane now: https://www.ioes.ie/about-the-institute/our-team/prof-michael-o-keeffe/

possibilty · 20-11-2022 9:47pm

Hi guys, just wondering was anyone here who has had surgery not wearing glasses pre surgery? I went for a pre op assessment but was told I would need to start wearing glasses for a couple of months pre operation to get the alignment right, would like to know has anyone else experienced this? I haven’t worn glasses in 13/14 years so this seems like a strange request. Any insight would be greatly appreciated :)

jaffa20 · 07-05-2023 1:41am

I am also looking into this, have been putting it off for so long. I'm near Clane and considering an appointment with the Institute of eye surgery. I've no insurance so i'm guessing it will be costly. It's not even about the money really, I'm terrified about the idea of surgery on my eyes and worried that surgery might not even resolve it. I guess a consultation will be no harm.

If anyone has any other suggestions of places that might be better suited, i'd be very grateful.

Young_gunner · 08-05-2023 10:45am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120564461#Comment_120564461

I think UPMC Clane or the Mater Private are as good as it gets. Unfortunately Professor Michael O'Keeffe has now passed away (RIP) but I'm sure the other surgeons there are top quality also.

henke · 16-05-2023 9:11pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120564461#Comment_120564461

Not sure you got my PM reply but if not will try to send again later.

I had it done in the Mater private just there in April and the procedure itself was fine they knock you out for it. Was a bit daunting beforehand but nothing to worry about on that front.

I don't know if I had the best outcome unfortunately I have been told to wait for now as the muscles are still healing. For the first week I was happy and eyes appeared straight but unfortunately the right eye then seemed to drift outward again. My case was a slightly lazy eye caused by astigmatism. Right now it's marginally if any at all better than it originally was.

I am disappointed but was covered by health insurance. I would have been distraught if I paid my own cash for it. I had a checkup a month after and surgeon observed the drift. He said it can happen in a small number of cases. He said not to worry yet and I'm back in two months. He said muscles are still healing, stitches are still there and eye would not be at its final position yet. He said in cases where people needed a second surgery there had been good outcomes. Now I have to wait to June to see but not holding my breath it will improve. Then if I opt for a second surgery will health insurance cover it I am not sure.

I would say go for a consultation and see. Not every case would be the same as me. I may be unlucky so wouldn't necessarily go by my experience. I don't think there was anything wrong with the surgery as the drift happened some days after. Best of luck whatever you decide.

Just open questions to anyone else had it done. Was it perfect from day one and stay that way? I had bilateral and squint adjustment. Did anyone experience any issues where the eye drifted but eventually straightened up (as mentioned I am not holding breath that will happen).

And if anyone knows anything about health insurance would they typically cover another procedure like this if it was not a success. I may be reluctant to do this unless they can offer something else that has a good chance of a better outcome. I think in my case the brain is just moving the eye to its usual position but I'm no expert if that can ever be resolved. For now I'll hope it improves by June when the muscles are healed.

Lisa-ballivor · 21-05-2023 4:43pm

Any update on your surgery.. did it work for you . I don't have insurance ,so will be paying my own cash. So how much does it cost . ?

Lisa-ballivor · 21-05-2023 4:46pm

How much is the cost of strabismus surgery ? . I don't have insurance .

Young_gunner · 06-07-2023 10:58am

it worked for me and I am really delighted with it, i think the cost is c.€1k, but I had health insurance to pay for it.

jaffa20 · 18-07-2023 11:57pm

Had my consultation this week and i'm thinking about going ahead with it. Don't have health insurance so have to pay myself and it's not cheap, but it's around the price I was expecting to pay. I'm thinking i will try arrange it for the new year though because have so many trips coming up and will need to set aside time for recovery. Did you all need to take much time off work?

My main concerns are recovery (i was told 4 weeks approx) and if I'll possibly need 2nd surgery or end up with double vision but the consultant seemed quite positive about it. I guess there's always a risk and they need to advise on those.

I've thought about this for so long that maybe it's time to just go for it.

Young_gunner · 19-07-2023 7:54am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120869121#Comment_120869121

need at least 2 weeks off work and total recovery time would be around 4 weeks. I'm delighted I did it.

daniellewalsh · 30-10-2023 11:35am

Hi, delighted to find this forum... I am thinking about going ahead with Squint Surgery, lazy eye + astigmatism in right eye. Left eye perfect. Right eye intermittent squint , when I get tired it shows. I spoke to an optician in specsavers and she suggested Dr John Stokes (Waterford I think ) or Dr Stephen Farrell (Mater) for adult strabismus surgery. Has anyone gone to either of doctors and how have you got on ? Love to hear how things went with operation itself . What are wait times like ? I have health insurance . Or maybe there is another doctor that you have gone to and got on great ,, Tia

Young_gunner · 31-10-2023 8:49am

I went to Professor Michael o’keeffe (RIP) in 2019, in the Mater. Wait time was minimal - a few weeks

Rexminer · 26-03-2024 3:28am

Hello @Young_gunner I'm really glad to come across your experience Pre and post Op. I'm urgently in need of the same and don't know how to start, would be glad if you offered some advice on the first step to take towards the OP. Thanks in advance 🙏

Young_gunner · 27-03-2024 9:33am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121939869#Comment_121939869

first step is to call the Mater Private (that's where I went) and they'll bring you in for a pre-op consultation. You'll likely then have an appointment with an Orthoptist who assesses the squint. happy to help in any way i can.

Squint surgery

Comments