Squint surgery is primarily performed to realign the eyes so they point in the same direction.
The core of the procedure involves carefully adjusting the length or position of the muscles that control eye movement. According to the provided information, the surgeon detaches part of the muscle connected to the eye and moves it into a new position. This adjustment helps correct the misalignment that causes the squint.
Here's a breakdown of the general process:
- Muscle Access: The surgeon gains access to the eye muscles, typically by making a small incision in the clear membrane covering the white of the eye (conjunctiva).
- Muscle Adjustment: One or more of the six muscles controlling the movement of each eye are identified. Depending on whether the eye needs to move inwards, outwards, upwards, or downwards, the surgeon will perform one of two main types of adjustments:
- Recession: The muscle is detached from its original insertion point and reattached further back on the eyeball. This weakens the muscle's pulling power.
- Resection: A short section of the muscle is removed, and the muscle is reattached to its original insertion point. This shortens the muscle and increases its pulling power.
- Sometimes, a combination of these techniques is used on one or both eyes.
- Muscle Repositioning & Fixation: As the reference states, the muscle is moved into its new position. The muscles are then fixed in their new position using dissolvable stitches.
- Stitch Placement: These stitches are carefully placed and, as mentioned, are hidden behind the eye so you will not be able to see them afterwards. They dissolve naturally over time as the muscle heals in its new location.
- Closure: The small incision in the conjunctiva may be closed with a few more dissolvable stitches, or it may be left to heal on its own.
The goal is to balance the pull of the eye muscles, allowing the eyes to work together and point correctly, thereby improving vision and cosmetic appearance.
Key Takeaways:
- The surgery targets the muscles controlling eye movement.
- Muscles are detached, repositioned, and reattached.
- Dissolvable stitches secure the muscles.
- Stitches are hidden from view.
- The aim is to align the eyes.
