Squint operations are carried out under general anaesthetic. You come in and go home on the same day as long as you are well when you wake up.
What is an adjustable suture?
It is a technique that allows the doctor to see how well the operation has worked and make any small adjustments to the new position of the eye before the stitch is permanently tied off.
Who would benefit from adjustable suture surgery?
This procedure is usually performed on adults.
It may be beneficial if you have
- Double vision
- Had previous squint surgery
- Poor sight in one eye, when the outcome from conventional surgery may be more difficult to predict.
Who will we see at the hospital?
At the hospital you may see several specialists.
- Nurse will take the dressing off and put the anaesthetic drops into your eye.
- Orthoptist will assess the squint and help the Ophthalmologist measure the squint.
- Ophthalmologist will carry out any surgery and the adjustments on after the surgery.
When is the eye adjusted?
The stitches are normally adjusted once you have woken up from the general anaesthetic.
Patients having surgery in the morning are adjusted later the same day. Those having surgery in the afternoon may be adjusted the next day.
You will have two stitches taped to your cheek.
Before adjustment, the nurse will remove the eye pad and put anaesthetic drops into the eye to ‘numb’ any sensation.
How is the eye adjusted?
If everything looks satisfactory, the ophthalmologist will secure the stitches by tying them off, otherwise the stitches will be adjusted.
With either procedure a metal instrument called a ‘speculum’ will be used to keep the eyelids open.
You will be aware of the speculum but it is not painful. Anaesthetic drops will be put into the eye regularly to numb any sensation.
Most patients describe a gentle pulling sensation felt during the adjustment procedure.
After each adjustment, the alignment of the eyes will be reassessed and any double vision noted until everything is satisfactory. The stitches are then tied off and the procedure is finished.
How long does adjustment take?
It usually takes approximately 20 – 30 minutes.
Are there any side effects?
The stitches on the surface of the eye gradually dissolve over the next two-three weeks. You may be aware of some grittiness in the eye during this time but it will ease.
The eye may water at first and will be red. The redness will fade in the next 2-3 weeks.
What happens after the procedure is finished?
Adjustable surgery is done as a day case procedure and usually you will be able to go home the same day.
However, in certain circumstances, the ophthalmologist may ask you to stay in hospital overnight.
Before you leave the hospital, the nurse will arrange an appointment for a check up back in the eye department.
You may be given antibiotics, if prescribed by the ophthalmologist.
You may be advised to use pain relief medication e.g. paracetamol if required at home in the early stages of the eye healing.
The stitches take a few weeks to dissolve and do not need to be removed unless causing considerable irritation.
Important
It is advisable to avoid swimming or contact sports (e.g. boxing, karate). Your doctor will advise you when will be able to start again.
Most people can return to work the following week after surgery. The doctor will be able to advise you when you can return to work.
What do I need to bring?
Bring any glasses you normally wear.
If glasses have had prisms built in, then you should contact your optician to ask for a pair of glasses to be made up without prisms and bring these as well. These will be used on the ward after the operation.
You should arrange for someone to collect you from hospital following a general anaesthetic.
For further information
Contact details
Appointments office
To change or cancel an appointment please call 0191 282 4444 .
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (excluding Bank Holidays)
The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) can offer on-the-spot advice and information about the NHS. You can contact them on freephone 0800 032 02 02 or e-mail the North of the Tyne PALS department.
Useful websites
If you would like further information about health conditions and treatment options, you may wish to have a look at the NHS website.
