Recovery from squint surgery

[Flossie44]

Dd had a divergent squint. It developed about 8 months ago and became severe fairly quickly to the point she had permanent double vision. She was put on the urgent surgery list and had surgery 10 days ago.

It seems that the surgery was a success. She had binocular vision almost immediately which we were obviously chuffed with. Apart from needing calpol the first 36hrs, she recovered brilliantly.

However the last 48 hours, she says the pain has increased considerably. It’s watering more now and looks sore. I can’t see any sign of infection, it’s just the red blood shot appearance that I know is to be expected for a few weeks. I’m just concerned in the sudden increase in pain or is this completely normal????

Please call your ophthalmologist. They should’ve given you a number to contact them on for recovery queries. Hope she’s okay.

Hi my son had this operation a few years ago, and I would suggest calling the hospital who did the operation to ask for some advice, I wouldn't be expecting pain after a few days.

Thank you so much. We have an appointment tomorrow to be seen at the hospital. She still has no swelling or bruising. But her eyelid is still droopy. I asked the surgeon on the phone if this is normal and he said he hasn’t touched the eyelid, so it’s prob bruising. It’s been two weeks now though and there is no sign of bruising.
Just droopy eyelid and severe pain, and double vision! 🤔

So we went today...the double vision is evident again so needing prisms now.

Anyone know if this is reversible??

Did the hospital say that they would need to operate again. 10-20% of patients will need repeat surgery so I would presume this will be the next step and the prism will help control the double vision until they are ready to do that again. Have they given fresnel prism (stick on ones) or is it incorporated into the glasses prescription?

She has no glasses prescription as has perfect actual vision. She has fresnel prism. So her measurement before surgery was 36mm but now is 18mm so loads better which is good but still giving the double vision.
They’ve said no second op as don’t think it will be successful/too much scar tissue.

Prisms can sometimes been weaned off overtime as reserves improve so there is still time for improvement. As fresnels are temporary I presume they are still monitoring her anyway they can be incorporated as they aren't the best looking things! A good surgeon would attempt the surgery again but only her doctors know how bad the scarring is or if it's worth it. A referral to a specialist eye hospital may be beneficial if you would like a second opinion ( providing you're not already under one of course)

OP - the surgeon would have put a clamp to hold the lids open and that can sometimes cause a (usually temporary) droopy lid.

Once she's recovered fully from the surgery, you could try some exercises to attempt to increase the fusional reserves. The orthoptic department at the hospital you're at currently may be able to help.
Or you may need to go to an Optometrist who has a special interest in children's vision or behavioural optometry.