Squints in adults

What causes squints in adults?

Common causes of squints in adults are eye muscle malfunction due to thyroid disease, trauma to the eye muscle or bony structure around the eyeball and paralysis of the nerves supplying the muscle(s). Almost one third of adults with squint have a residual squint following previous squint surgery in childhood.

What are the symptoms of squints?

Seeing double or ‘double-vision’, or adopting an abnormal head turn is often the most noticeable symptom of a squint when it has onset recently. Adults with longstanding squints have often lost the ability of seeing with two eyes together and double vision may not present. Squint can lead to both a significant functional impairment and cosmetic concerns for the patient.

How are squints in adults treated?

Treatment for adults with squints often requires surgery to align the eyes properly. This will get rid of the double vision, enlarge the visual field and return the appearance of the eyes to normal.

What does squint surgery involve?

Squint surgery is usually performed as a day stay procedure under general anaesthesia. The extraocular muscle(s) is weakened or tightened to make the two eyes align parallel to each other.

How successful is squint surgery?

Squint surgery is highly successful in experienced hands. Our squint surgeon has extensive advanced training in squint surgery for adults and children. He routinely receives complex squint referrals from other ophthalmologists in Auckland and from throughout the country. Special surgical techniques performed by Eye Doctors, such as ‘adjustable suture’ squint surgery, increase the success rate to well above 95%.

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