Dr Dory Neu-Ner

Squint surgery

Dr Dory Neu-Ner   →  Services   →  Squint surgery

Squint surgery

Strabismus is also known as crossed eyes or a squint, and refers to the misalignment of the eyes. This condition is when both eyes do not work simultaneously and cannot focus on the same object together. When a patient with strabismus looks straight ahead of them, one eye may point up, down, inward or outward. Strabismus commonly affects children but adults can develop it.

Dr. Dory Neu-Ner is an ophthalmologist performing strabismus surgery to correct squint in Fourways. He is an experienced and dedicated eye care professional that provides quality patient care for adults and children with strabismus. Your sight is your most precious sense and Dr. Neu-Ner focuses strongly on enhancing and preserving it.

Causes of Strabismus or crossed eyes

Although there is no known cause, some forms of strabismus are inherited. It is also often caused by a problem with the muscles that move the eyes. Many children with crossed eyes may have a family member that has a similar problem. A squint can also occur due the following:

  • An eye injury
  • A stroke
  • Head injuries
  • Brain tumours
  • Neurological or nervous system issues

Strabismus in children

A squint is one of the most common eye conditions in children. Some children are born with strabismus and some develop it in childhood. If it goes undiagnosed and untreated, it can lead to decreased vision in one eye. Your child will have trouble with depth perception.

Early diagnoses and treatment in children with a squint means that their vision can be saved and returned to normal. Glasses and surgery are treatment options that an ophthalmologist will suggest. Dr. Neu-Ner has a special interest in paediatrics and can diagnose and treat patients suffering from strabismus. If your child suffers from crossed eyes, make an appointment with him today.

Strabismus in adults

Although strabismus is most common among children, it can also affect adults. Adults with the disorder may not have received proper treatment as children. They may have developed the condition as a result of an injury, stroke or brain tumour.

The good news is that eye muscle surgery can be performed to correct misaligned eyes.

You are never too old to have your strabismus treated. Strabismus surgery is a safe and effective treatment for strabismus in adults. If you leave it untreated, you may experience double-vision and have difficulty performing tasks such as driving. Dr. Neu-Ner is an eye care professional capable of treating your disorder and surgically corrected it.

Non-Surgical Treatment for strabismus

In order to determine treated for a squint, you will need to be thoroughly investigated. For patients opting to go the non-surgical route, there are options available such as:

  • Vision therapy – this involves eye exercises (orthoptics) or  therapy.
  • Corrective lenses – Prism lenses are special lenses prescribed by eye doctors. They can bend light entering the eye. This helps reduce the amount of turning your eye must do in order to look at or focus on objects.
  • Eye drops or ointments – These can weaken overactive eye muscles. Depending on your situation, these can be used in place of surgery.

Strabismus surgery

Strabismus surgery involves improving the alignment of your eyes by tightening or loosening the eye muscles. Dr. Neu-Ner is experienced in this field and has performed successful squint surgeries in the past. The surgery will align your eyes and make them relative to each other thus correcting your squint.

Surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. Typically, patients who have undergone the surgery experience little pain due to the use of tissue glue to seal the wounds.

After your surgery, Dr. Neu-Ner will reassess the alignment. Many first time surgeries have enjoyed permanent success so a single operation is all you may need.

Your recovery time will depend on how extensive the surgery was but many patients are able to return to their normal activities within a couple of days. Soreness and discomfort will be normal for a few hours after the procedure and redness in the eyes may last for a few weeks. Dr. Neu-Ner will prescribe the appropriate pain medication and explain in detail the side effects of the surgery. It is important to note that your eyes could take several months to reach their final alignment.

Strabismus surgeon in Fourways, Sandton

Dr. Neu-Ner understands that choosing an eye surgeon is not a decision that should be taken lightly. Your eyes are your window to the world and need to be protected. He is an ophthalmic surgeon in Sandton with the knowledge and experience to diagnose and treat adults and children with strabismus. Get in touch with him today and experience the world through new eyes.