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WHAT IS Pediatric Ophthalmology & Squint?
Understanding About Pediatric Ophthalmology & Squint
Millions of people worldwide suffer from strabismus, a common visual problem sometimes known as “lazy eye” or “crossed eyes.” The eyes point in different directions as a result of this disease, which throws off their regular alignment. Strabismus usually develops in childhood and can take on many forms and intensities. Untreated strabismus can result in a variety of vision problems as well as negatively affect a person’s quality of life and self-esteem. Neurological factors might induce adult-onset strabismus or it can develop from childhood strabismus.
One or both eyes may wander inward or outward and appear to be out of alignment with respect to the focused object when they have strabismus or squint. It may result from neuromuscular irregularities of the eye’s movements, binocular fusion anomalies, or refractive error.
The prognosis for strabismus is quite good if it is identified and treated quickly. Treatment options typically include topical medicines, occlusive patching, orthoptic exercises, refractive error correction, and extraocular muscle surgery.
Symptoms
Strabismus symptoms include
- Eye misalignment: When contrasted to the other, one eye appears to be directed inward, outward, upward, or downward.
- Diminished visual acuity: Amblyopia is a condition where there is a misalignment of the eyes caused by strabismus.
- Double vision: When eyes are not aligned properly, the brain may perceive two distinct images from each eye.
- Amblyopia: Also called "lazy eye," this condition causes one eye to have noticeably less vision.
- Neonatal ocular misalignments: Occasionally occurring visual abnormalities in infants, usually resolved by four months.
- Additional symptoms include headaches, eye strain, and trouble telling distances.
Treatments
Treatments for Squint
Treatment for strabismus usually entails three primary types of surgical procedures meant to correct the alignment of the eyes:
- Weakening Procedures: Recession, marginal myectomy, posterior fixing (Faden surgery), and myectomy are among the methods that lessen the strength of the misaligned muscles.
- Strengthening Techniques: These techniques, which include resection, advancement, double-breasting or tenoplication, and cinching, increase the pulling force of the muscles to accomplish alignment.
- Vector Adjustment Procedures: These surgeries, which include transposition techniques like Hummelscheim, Jensen, O'Connor, Knapp, Callahan, Peter, and Helveston techniques, change the direction of muscle movement for alignment.
Precautions
Precautions for Squint
- Early evaluation: A pediatric ophthalmologist and a strabismologist will assess the patient in-depth after an ophthalmologist makes a prompt assessment.
- Multidisciplinary approach: Including a range of instructors and healthcare providers.
- Skilled screening: Quick identification of risk factors and effective strabismus screening.
- Specialized skills: Each team member must possess the necessary abilities and knowledge, including the ability to diagnose and treat patients.
- Good communication involves holding frequent gatherings to exchange ideas and having open lines of contact with patients and their families.
- Smooth care coordination is the upkeep of thorough documentation and honest dialogue between medical professionals to guarantee uniform treatment.
Pediatric Ophthalmology & Squint
Services Offered
Paediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus Department at Susrut Eye Foundation & Research Centre is well-equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for examining and treating children with common paediatric eye diseases like Refractive Errors, Allergic Eye Disorders, Squint, Amblyopia, Childhood Cataract, Congenital Glaucoma and Nystagmus. It also conducts Screening and Treatment for Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) in association with the Vitreo-Retina Department. Our Low Vision Rehabilitation Clinic ably guides children with visual impairment by providing either optical or non-optical Low Vision Aids (LVA) to enhance their residual vision. Children suspected/ found with disorders related to Cornea, Retina, Uvea & Orbit are referred to respective specialty clinics.
Before Surgery
How you prepare for Strabismus Surgery
- To evaluate the patient's ocular alignment, visual acuity, refractive error, and any related problems such amblyopia, a comprehensive examination is performed. This assessment makes sure that any underlying problems are taken care of and aids in choosing the best surgical strategy.
- The goal, dangers, and anticipated results of the procedure are explained to the patient and the people who are caring for them. They are also told about what to anticipate during their recuperation and postoperative treatment.
- Before surgery, patients are given detailed directions to follow, such as stopping particular medications, fasting for a predetermined amount of time, and making travel and accommodation arrangements to and from the medical center.
- Psychological preparation is crucial to reduce surgical anxiety and panic, particularly in pediatric patients. Psychologists or child life professionals could be recruited to assist with the planning of
During the Surgery
How you prepare for Strabismus Surgery
- The surgical team, which consists of the anesthesiologist, ophthalmologist, and nursing staff, plans ahead to make sure all required tools and personnel are available for the procedure.
- Patients arrive at the surgical facility on time the day of the procedure and adhere to any preoperative instructions given by the surgical team.For support and guidance, patients may bring a friend or family member with them to the surgical facility.
- Patients give their informed permission, demonstrating that they are aware of the surgery and that they are comfortable with it moving forward.
- The patient is informed of their alternatives for anesthesia, and the best anesthetic technique is selected in accordance with their unique requirements and preferences.
After the Surgery
How you prepare for Strabismus Surgery
- Patients are given comprehensive instructions on how to take their medications and take care of their eyes.
- Monitoring Complications: It's critical to keep an eye out for any indications of inflammation or infection.
- Eye Protection: To avoid harm during recovering, protective eyewear may be suggested.
- Rest and Restrictions: Patients are recommended to refrain from strenuous activity and to rest.
- Recheck Appointments: Appointed consultations with the ophthalmologist guarantee appropriate healing.
- Rehabilitation: Exercises to enhance eye coordination may be given to patients.
- Patience and reasonable expectations are necessary because the full advantages of surgery might not be felt right away.
FAQS
Pediatric Ophthalmology & Squint FAQS
Is strabismus surgery the only treatment option for an eye turn?
Treatment methods for strabismus vary depending on the kind of strabismus, including amblyopia (lazy eye), double vision, convergence insufficiency, and the direction and angle of deviations in the eyes.
Does the age of the patient matter?
Whether surgery is necessary depends on a person’s age.
The one kind of strabismus that may require early surgery to remove the eye turn is early occurring continuous strabismus.
Don’t let a surgeon pressure you into surgery for a different kind of strabismus, particularly intermittent ones, just because they said something about your age.
Which doctor should I consult for squint?
An ophthalmologist (eye doctor) with squint expertise should be consulted.
I have heard that squint surgery is often performed on both eyes even though the squint is only in one eye. Is that true?
Indeed. Large degrees of squint can occasionally necessitate surgery on both eyes because excessive manipulation of one eye’s muscles is not recommended. The other eye will not be impacted by this.
Can wearing spectacles alone cure a squint?
In certain instances, squinting resulting from refractive error can be corrected by wearing spectacles. This is particularly true of squints that result in convergent squints due to excess accommodation caused by hypermetropia, or farsightedness.
