Can I Have Laser Eye Surgery if I Have A Squint?

Over the years, Laser Eye Surgery has advanced to become an effective treatment for a range of eye problems, including myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness), and astigmatism. But can some eye problems affect your suitability for Laser Eye Surgery?

For example, can you have Laser Eye Surgery if you have a squint?

What is Strabismus?

Strabismus – the medical term for squint – is a condition that occurs when the eyes are not properly aligned. This may mean that one eye is turned slightly inward (known as esotropia), outward (exotropia), upward (hypertropia), or downward (hypotropia).

Common in younger children, strabismus can be caused by problems with the muscles in the eye or, in some cases, underlying long-sightedness. The misalignment of the eyes can cause blurred vision, reduced depth perception, and double vision.

Over time, the brain will learn to ignore the image from the turned eye to avoid confusion. However, this can lead to permanently reduced vision in the affected eye – a condition called amblyopia or “lazy eye”. Early intervention is therefore important for preventing this.

The most common treatments for strabismus include eye patches to strengthen the weaker eye and glasses to correct any underlying refractive error. These treatments are most effective in children. In more severe cases, surgery may be recommended.

Laser Eye Surgery and Strabismus

Generally, Laser Eye Surgery is not considered a treatment for strabismus as it does not involve treating the muscles of the eye. While Laser Eye Surgery can treat refractive errors that may be linked to strabismus, it does so by changing the shape of the cornea, not by correcting muscle imbalances.

As such, Laser Eye Surgery can improve your vision to the same extent as glasses or contact lenses, but it cannot restore vision that wasn’t there before.

However, you may be glad to learn that having strabismus will not necessarily make you unsuitable for Laser Eye Surgery. In fact, at London Vision Clinic, we can treat up to 98% of the patients we see – often even if they have been turned away by other clinics!

But how do surgical treatments for strabismus work?

Treating Strabismus with Corrective Surgery

Corrective surgery for strabismus adjusts the position of the eye muscles so that the eyes line up better. In some cases, several procedures may be required to achieve the best results. This option is generally only considered when other treatments are ineffective or are unsuitable.

London Vision Clinic patient, Jacqueline, visited Professor Dan Reinstein after living with a squint for more than 50 years. While she didn’t have high expectations, she was shocked to learn that a corrective procedure could work for her.

Three years later, having undergone corrective surgery at London Vision Clinic, Jacqueline still doesn’t need glasses or contact lenses for her squint. This has helped improve other aspects of her life, as she no longer needs to fret over tedious preparations when travelling.

So, if you suffer from strabismus, why not see if corrective surgery could be as life-changing for you as it was for Jacqueline?

Many people live with strabismus without realising there is a solution. You can find out if you are a candidate for corrective surgery and Laser Eye Surgery with a series of tests and examinations at London Vision Clinic. Our supportive and knowledgeable clinic staff are here to support you and answer any questions you may have.

So, why not book a no-obligation consultation today? Or get in touch with one of our patient care coordinators – they’re always on hand to help with any concerns or queries!