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What is the Recovery Time of Squint Eye Surgery?

If you or a loved one is preparing for squint eye surgery, you may feel a mix of curiosity and concern about what happens after the procedure. How long does it take to recover? What can you expect during the healing process?

These are all valid questions, and you’re in the right place to find clear, concise answers.

This blog will explore the recovery time for squint eye surgery in detail. I’ll walk you through what to expect, share practical tips to make recovery smoother, and highlight aspects you might not have considered.

Let’s make this process less daunting by answering all the questions on your mind.

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Ophthalmologist/ Eye Surgeon 13+ Years Exp

MBBS, MS – Ophthalmology

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What Happens During Squint Eye Surgery?

Before we talk about recovery, it’s useful to understand what the surgery involves. Squint eye surgery, also known as strabismus surgery, is a procedure to correct the alignment of the eyes.

It involves adjusting the muscles around the eye to ensure that both eyes can focus in the same direction.

The surgery is typically performed under general anaesthesia and usually takes 45 minutes to an hour. It’s a day-care procedure, meaning you can take your child or loved one home within a few hours after the surgery.

Now that you know what happens in the operating room, let’s move to what matters most — the recovery process.

Recovery Timeline Explained

Every patient heals differently, but here’s a general timeline of what to expect after squint eye surgery.

⇒Day of Surgery

The procedure is straightforward, but the immediate aftermath can vary for each individual. Once the surgery is complete:

You may notice redness in the white part of the eye. This is completely normal and fades over time.
Eye pain and discomfort are common in the first 24 hours but can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief or prescription medication.
Vision may feel blurry initially, but don’t worry. This is a temporary effect due to the anaesthesia or post-surgical swelling.

Key Tip: Keep calm! Reassure your child (or yourself) that these side effects are normal.

⇒First Week After Surgery

The first week is the most sensitive phase of recovery. During this time, you might observe:

Swelling and sensitivity around the eye.
Difficulty keeping the eye wide open due to soreness or discomfort.
Minor eye discharge, which is common as the eye begins to heal.
Slight redness in the eye, which might seem alarming but typically improves day by day.

The good news? Most people start feeling considerably better towards the end of this week.

Actionable Tip:

Keep the eye area clean and avoid rubbing the eyes. Use the prescribed eye drops as per the doctor’s instructions. These drops often contain antibiotics to prevent infections and steroids to reduce inflammation.

⇒2 to 4 Weeks After Surgery

By now, significant healing will have occurred, and you or your child will likely feel much more like themselves.

Eye alignment should be noticeably improved.
Regular activities can be resumed, but it’s essential to avoid strenuous physical activities like sports or swimming.

By the end of four weeks, the redness from surgery is usually minimal. While the eye muscles and tissues continue to heal internally, you’ll likely notice visual improvements.

Quick Note: If you feel the eye still looks “off” by this stage, revisit your squint specialist. It could take longer in some cases, especially for complex squints.

⇒Full Recovery (6–8 Weeks)

For most patients, full recovery takes about 6 to 8 weeks. By this point:

The redness in the eye will have almost disappeared.
Vision should have stabilised, and the eyes will be well-aligned.
Physical limits like avoiding swimming or high-impact sports are no longer necessary (always confirm with your doctor).

The final results from the surgery will be visible at this stage, and any follow-up care or revisions can be planned if required.

What Factors Impact Recovery Time?

While the timeline above acts as a general guide, the actual recovery time can vary based on factors like:

Patient’s Age: Children tend to heal faster than adults because their bodies regenerate and adapt more quickly.
Type of Squint: More complex or long-standing squints may require a longer recovery.
Overall Health: Conditions like diabetes or autoimmune disorders could affect healing rates.
Post-Surgical Care: Following post-op instructions to the letter can play a huge role in speeding up recovery.

Example: A 2-year-old child with a mild intermittent squint might recover in 4 to 5 weeks. Alternatively, an adult with a long-standing squint may take closer to the 8-week mark.

Practical Tips to Make Recovery Smoother

Here are some actionable steps you can take to ensure a speedy and smooth recovery:

1. Stock Up on Essentials

Before surgery, have everything you’ll need ready at home:

A supply of tissues (to handle any minor post-surgical discharge).
Sunglasses to protect sensitive eyes from sunlight.
Over-the-counter or prescribed painkillers.

2. Stick to Prescribed Eye Drops

Eye drops are your (or your child’s) best friend during recovery. These often contain anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties to keep the healing on track. Set reminders if needed to ensure doses aren’t missed.

3. Avoid Strain

Reading, screen time, and other activities involving prolonged focus should be limited initially. Give the eyes some time to rest!

4. Keep Hands Off the Eyes

The temptation to scratch or rub the eyes can be strong, especially for children. Use mittens or distraction techniques for smaller kids if needed.

5. Stay Alert for Warning Signs

While complications are rare, keep an eye out for symptoms like:

Sudden pain that doesn’t subside.
Increased redness or severe swelling.
Vision that seems to worsen.

If you notice any of these, contact your squint doctor immediately.

What if Recovery Takes Longer Than Expected?

For some, recovery may feel slower than anticipated. The realignment of the eyes, for example, might take weeks to settle fully. Rest assured, your doctor will monitor progress during follow-up visits and advise on any necessary adjustments.

Even if recovery takes longer, patience and consistent care make all the difference in achieving great results.

Final Thoughts

Squint eye surgery is a life-changing step towards better vision and improved quality of life. Knowing what to expect during recovery helps ease worries and allows you to focus on the end goal — healthier, aligned eyes and a confident outlook!

⇒Call to Action

Do you have more questions about squint eye surgery or its recovery process? If you’re in Hyderabad and looking for expert guidance, connect with our trusted team of specialists now. Book a consultation today and take the first step towards better eye health!

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