Squint surgery: Costs, benefits, and why it’s worth it

Squint surgery is a medical procedure designed to improve misalignment of the eyes, commonly referred to as squint.

Mr Nadeem Ali, a distinguished Consultant specialising in Adult Squint and Double Vision Surgery, provides an expert insight into the cost of squint surgery and highlights why its long-term benefits make it a worthwhile investment.

What is squint surgery?

Squint (or strabismus) is a condition in which one or both eyes turn inward, outward, upward, or downward. The main issues caused by squint have to do with appearance: problems with self-image, self-confidence, making eye contact, meeting new people and having photos taken. Many people with visible squints have poor self-esteem, experience social anxiety, and in some cases, may encounter workplace discrimination. Over time, these issues can compound, affecting overall quality of life. Some squints also cause issues such as double vision, visual confusion, and reduced depth perception.

Squint surgery is a highly effective and safe procedure that addresses this condition by either strengthening or weakening the muscles around the eyes to restore balance and proper coordination, which helps correct the eyes’ alignment.

In the UK, the cost of squint surgery varies depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, the surgeon’s expertise, and the specific clinic. While the upfront cost may seem significant, many patients consider it a worthwhile investment due to the lasting benefits of the procedure.

How does squint surgery compare to other therapies?

Most squints in adults can’t be treated by simple glasses. Vision therapy is widely publicised online but doesn’t work for most cases of squint, and sometimes it can cause long-lasting problems such as irreversible double vision. Botox® injections have a role in some types of squint but the treatment is temporary, so it wears off, requiring repeated injections.

Squint surgery, however, provides a more long-lasting solution. By directly addressing eye misalignment, squint surgery improves the appearance of the eyes and can also help binocular vision (the ability of both eyes to work together), often eliminating double vision or eye strain in many cases.

What happens if squint surgery is delayed?

The main cost of delaying or avoiding squint surgery is missing out on years of benefits that squint surgery would have brought. The commonest thing patients say after successful squint surgery is: “Why did I not have this done years ago?”

Are there risks associated with squint surgery?

Squint surgery is one of the safest eye operations, with lower serious risks than cataract surgery. Like any surgical procedure, however, squint surgery does carry some risks, including over and under correction, new double vision, need for further surgery, redness and surface scarring. The risk of sight loss is less than 1 in 4000. Choosing an experienced, specialist adult squint surgeon can minimise these risks and reduce the likelihood of complications.

Recovery from squint surgery is generally straightforward. The post-op pain is mild to negligible, lasting for a few days and treatable with simple painkillers. Most people can return to light activities within a day, to work within 10 days, to driving within 2 weeks, while the full recovery takes 6-8 weeks. During this recovery period, the eyes may appear red or feel irritated, but these symptoms are temporary and manageable with prescribed eye drops. Regular follow-up visits with the surgeon are crucial to ensure proper healing.

When are the results of squint surgery visible?

In most cases, the results of squint surgery are visible immediately after the procedure, with the eyes appearing straighter and better aligned. Patients who had surgery for double vision often report single vision the next day after surgery. The final outcome will then take several weeks as the eyes and brain adjust and the final alignment stabilises.

These results, which address both aesthetic and functional concerns, contribute to the long-term value of the surgery, making the upfront cost a justifiable and rewarding investment. If you are considering squint surgery, the benefits are truly life-changing: greater confidence, higher self-esteem and improved wellbeing.

If you would like to book an appointment with Mr Nadeem Ali, head on over to his Top Doctors profile today.