Squint (Strabismus) Surgery in Varanasi
Cosmetic and functional squint correction — for children, teens and adults.
Squint evaluation for children (from age 2) and adults
Non-surgical management first — patching, glasses, prisms where appropriate
Muscle-recession / resection surgery under monitored anaesthesia
Post-operative binocular vision training to lock in the alignment
MBBS (Gold Medalist, 4 distinctions) · MS Ophthalmology (MAMC, New Delhi) · DNB · FICO (Merit)
Squint (also called strabismus) is more than a cosmetic concern — in children, an uncorrected squint can lead to amblyopia (a permanently weaker eye), and in adults it commonly causes double vision, tired eyes and social self-consciousness. Squint services at Shantanu Netralaya are led by Consultant Dr. Manisha Mishra, an experienced pediatric ophthalmologist and squint surgeon.
When to bring a child for a squint check-up
Any persistent eye deviation beyond 4 months of age, a child who tilts the head to see, watery eyes, closing one eye in bright sun, or difficulty catching a ball — all warrant a squint evaluation. Early treatment (before age 8) gives the best chance of restoring full binocular vision.
Adult squint — cosmetic and functional
Adults with long-standing squint often assume nothing can be done. That is a myth. Modern strabismus surgery in adults offers excellent cosmetic alignment, and in many cases restores binocular fusion and eliminates double vision. Cases are planned individually after a full orthoptic assessment.
squint surgery Varanasi — patient FAQs
Is squint surgery painful for a child?+
Squint surgery is performed under a short general anaesthetic for children. There is mild redness and a scratchy sensation for 2–3 days afterwards, managed with eye drops. Most children return to school in a week.
Will the squint come back after surgery?+
The alignment is engineered to hold long-term, but a small residual drift can occur in about 10% of cases. This is why we follow up carefully in the first year and, in select cases, use orthoptic exercises or a small touch-up.
40, Deen Dayal Colony, Kabir Nagar Road, Near Durgakund, Varanasi 221005
Plus Code: 7XRW+32 Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
आधुनिक सर्जिकल तकनीकों, सटीक नेत्र परीक्षण और व्यक्तिगत उपचार योजना की सहायता से विभिन्न आयु वर्ग के मरीजों का सफल उपचार किया जा सकता है।
— With modern surgical techniques, precise eye examination and personalised treatment plans, successful outcomes are possible for squint patients across all age groups.
Read the full featureThe procedure, in the order it happens
- 1Full orthoptic evaluation
Alternate cover test, prism-cover measurements, ductions and versions to characterise the type and magnitude of squint. Refraction under cycloplegia in children.
- 2Non-surgical trial first
Where indicated, we start with spectacle correction, patching for amblyopia, or prism therapy — surgery is not always the first option.
- 3Surgery planning (Day of decision)
Which muscles to resect / recess is decided based on the pre-op measurements. In children, the plan is reviewed with the parents before the surgery date.
- 4Day-care squint surgery (30-60 min)
Adults: topical / peribulbar anaesthesia. Children: general anaesthesia. The muscle is exposed via a small conjunctival incision, adjusted per plan, and re-secured with dissolvable sutures.
- 5Same-day discharge
Most patients go home the same day. Alignment is usually good on Day 1; final refinement over 6-8 weeks. Adults resume work in ~1 week; children in ~2-3 days.
Squint types Dr. Manisha Mishra treats
| Type | Typical presentation | Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Concomitant esotropia (crossed eyes) | Common in children under 6 | Refraction + amblyopia therapy + surgery if residual |
| Concomitant exotropia (out-turning) | Common in older children / adults | Orthoptic exercises + surgery for large-angle |
| Paralytic squint | Adult, sudden onset | Prism therapy + treat underlying cause (nerve palsy) |
| Restrictive squint (thyroid, trauma) | Adult | Surgical resection / recession |
What happens Day 1 to Week 6
Mild redness and grittiness are normal. Home the same day.
Post-op review. Vision usually clear; alignment typically improved substantially.
Redness settles gradually. Return to school for kids in 3-5 days; return to office work in adults in 5-7 days.
Alignment fine-tunes as the muscles heal. Follow-up at 6 weeks for final assessment.
Things patients often get wrong
Isn't squint only correctable in childhood?+
No. Adult squint is fully surgically correctable. Cosmesis is only one benefit — many adult patients also regain binocular vision and improved self-confidence.
Will my child's squint go away on its own?+
Some infantile squints resolve by 6 months. Persistent squint after 6 months should be evaluated — waiting risks permanent amblyopia (lazy eye).
Is squint surgery visible / does it leave scars?+
The incision is on the conjunctiva (white of the eye), covered by the eyelids. No skin scar, no visible mark.
Honest counsel — when to pause, treat elsewhere, or defer
- Small (< 10 prism dioptre) squints may be manageable with prism spectacles instead of surgery.
- Uncorrected amblyopia — vision therapy first, surgery later.
- Active thyroid eye disease — treat systemic disease first.
What's covered, what's not
Squint surgery is covered under most cashless private insurance policies. Ayushman Bharat covers eligible paediatric squint cases under specific approval categories.
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