Squint surgery

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.

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 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 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 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

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, 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

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?

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.

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.

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.