---
title: "Strabismus surgery | Eye Health Guide"
description: "What strabismus surgery involves, who it helps, how recovery works, and how it relates to amblyopia treatment in children. Clinically reviewed."
url: https://eyehealthguide.org/treatments/strabismus-surgery/
source: Eye Health Guide
licence: "General information only. Cite the URL and the named medical reviewer."
---

Treatment

# Strabismus surgery

Medical reviewer [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/mohamed-mohyudin/)· Last recorded site review July 6, 2026

### About this review

This page inherits the site’s previous review record. A separate, current article sign-off has not yet been recorded.

[How review works](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/) · [Official biography & credentials](https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/author/mohamed-mohyudin/)

Quick answer

Strabismus surgery adjusts the eye muscles to improve alignment when eyes turn in, out, up or down. It is done under general anaesthetic in children and often under local anaesthetic in adults. Surgery does not replace glasses or amblyopia treatment in children, but it can improve appearance, depth perception, and in some cases reduce double vision.

### On this page ⌄

1. What it is
2. Who it helps
3. What happens on the day
4. Recovery and follow-up
5. Conditions this can help
6. Frequently asked questions

## What it is

Strabismus surgery changes the position or strength of one or more eye muscles so the eyes line up better. The surgeon may weaken a muscle by moving it back on the eye, strengthen one by shortening it, or adjust both sides. It does not cure the underlying cause of a squint but improves alignment.

## Who it helps

Surgery may be recommended when a squint is constant, affects appearance or depth perception, or causes troublesome double vision in adults. In children, surgery is often combined with glasses and amblyopia treatment. The decision depends on the type of squint, age, and whether glasses alone are enough.

## What happens on the day

Children usually have general anaesthetic. Adults may have local anaesthetic with sedation. The operation typically takes under an hour. Dissolvable stitches are often used on the white of the eye, which may look red for a few weeks.

## Recovery and follow-up

Most people go home the same day. The eyes may feel gritty and look red for one to two weeks. Children still need glasses and patching if prescribed. More than one operation is sometimes needed, as eyes can drift again over time. Regular follow-up checks alignment and vision.

## Conditions this can help

## Frequently asked questions

### Does strabismus surgery cure lazy eye?

No. Amblyopia (lazy eye) is treated with glasses and patching or drops. Surgery aligns the eyes but does not replace amblyopia treatment, which is most effective in young children.

### At what age can strabismus surgery be done?

It can be done at almost any age, including infancy in some cases. Timing depends on the type of squint and whether glasses and amblyopia treatment are being used. Your ophthalmologist will advise on the best plan.

### Can a squint come back after surgery?

Yes, sometimes. Eyes can drift again as children grow or in adults over time. Further surgery or prism glasses may be needed. Regular follow-up helps catch changes early.

Your next step

## Take this to your appointment

Write down what has changed, when it started, your current medicines and the questions you want answered. Take these to your eye-care appointment.

Sudden loss of sight, severe eye pain or a dark curtain across vision needs immediate assessment. Do not wait to complete a worksheet.

## Sources for this information

These references support the information on this page. Follow the linked source for its full context.

- [NHS - Squint](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/squint/)