Alternating convergent squint. 21 month old. Glasses did nothing, having surgery.

[sedgieloo]

Feeling a bit alarmed about this because she is so little also I did not realise until the consultant appointment tonight that she was always squinting (the eyes alternate), previously it was noted that it could not be discerned for distance. Unless of course it has gotten worse in since the last check about a month ago. I'm sad this means she may never have binocular vision, as it is some months since the squint started.

I did not go to the GP right away as it did not seem noticeable very much and not even at all much of the time, then I was noticing it more and more. So I am upset with myself tonight about this. I'm pregnant and feeling rattled anyway!

If anyone has any info/experience I would appreciate it, I'm not getting much using online searches. I understand the surgery will straighten her eyes and possibly help her regain some binocular vision but there is just a 'chance' of this.

Hi

not sure I'm going to cheer you up or not but I had the same squint as your DD, had my first op at 9 months and had to have 3 further ops -they are day cases, take about an hour and although eyes feel scratchy staright after mum says I was always asking to go back to playgroup/school the next day

cosmetically my eyes are perfect, however I've never had binocular vision

I drive, can catch a ball etc etc the only thing I can't do is watch a 3D film!

but, and this will be the same for your daughter, I have no experience of binocular vision so I don't miss it, your brain adapts and it's just normal to me, has not affected my development or my life in any way

your DD is still relatively young and it's good that she is having the op at her age, she will bounce back very quickly and have no memory of it even if it is scary for her to have an op

good luck x

Thanks so much for your post workshy I got it late last night from my phone and it really helped the both of us, as we were feeling upset, and trying to take in all the information we had been given. I know it could be a whole lot worse, but it has had us worried nonetheless. I'm still struggling with the whole idea of her having surgery so young but it has to be done. Thanks again.

My DD1 has this too - one op at 9mths, never patched or anything, and also longsighted. She is now 20 and has never had any probs with her eyes, throwing, catching, hand-eye co-ordination, driving etc. Amazing how the brain does adapt. Hope this helps to reassure you. Hope your daughter is ok when she has the op, am sure she will be xx

Hi OP,

Im an orthoptist and work in an eye clinic. I have a thread going about squints etc if you are needing more info.

The surgery for squints is surprisingly quick. She'll be absolutely fine. It will be you doing all the worrying. Dont worry about the not having 3D vision aspect. She will not know anything different, and as the other posters said from their own experience and as a parent. It will not affect her day to day life. She may not be able to be an RAF pilot!!! But she will be just fine....