Paediatric squint surgery

This procedure is performed as a day surgery under general anaesthetic.

Before surgery:

The hospital will advise on the fasting regime and appropriate time of arrival. The general guidelines are fasting 6 hours prior to surgery as the surgery is under a general anaesthetic. Depending on your child’s age some clear fluid intake is allowed up to 3 hours before surgery.

On the day of surgery:

Your anaesthetist will review the child prior to surgery. The surgery will take about 1 hour. If the operation involves only 1 eye a pad maybe placed over the eye after surgery which is best removed the following morning. Once your child has had time to recover from the anaesthetic and tolerated food and fluids, they will be discharged home.

Post- operative care:

Post-operative drops will be prescribed to your child. Please put 1 drop from each bottle, 4 times a day for 2 weeks after surgery. The day after surgery your child’s recovery can be varied, some children require simple analgesia such as Paracetamol for 1-2 days. Your child may be more comfortable wearing sunglasses and or a hat outside.

What to expect after the operation:

It is normal for the eye to water and feel scratchy. It will also often have a superficial bruise on the white of the eye where the muscle was operated on. This will settle over the next few weeks. How straight the eyes are is best noted a few days after surgery. A review in the rooms will be organised 1-2 weeks after surgery.

Dos and Don’ts:

Your child is allowed to read or watch television as much as is comfortable.  

Do not go swimming for 1 month after surgery.  

Do not play in a sandpit for 1 week after surgery.  

After a bath/shower pat the face dry.