Adult squint operation?

LadyMorticia

Hello everyone.:wave:

I have a divergent squint in my right eye which I have had from birth. I did have a divergent squint in my left eye too but that was corrected by surgery. I also had an operation on my right eye as a child but it failed to correct my squint.

I've always been conscious of the squint I have and would love for it to be corrected. I know that it won't change my eyesight but I'm getting married in September and don't want to feel self conscious in the photos because of it.

I'm 23. Has anyone here had a squint corrected when they were older? Was it done on the NHS? How long did it take from consultation to having the operation?

Thanks in advance.

EmmaCL

Hey. I have a divergent squint in my left eye. It was operated on 5 years ago (I'm now 25) and was successful but has started turning outward again

I have an appointment to discuss the options, it looks like I may have to have surgery on my good eye in order to get them working together. If you go and see your Doctor they will refer you to a specialist.

It's awful being so self conscious, I hate it.

tidus

Its possible to have squint surgery as an adult - you should ask your GP to refer you. You may have to pay privately - its essentially a cosmetic proceedure - although I have known plenty of NHS cases, usually when the squint is judged to be effecting the persons confidence.

LadyMorticia

EmmaCL wrote: »

Hey. I have a divergent squint in my left eye. It was operated on 5 years ago (I'm now 25) and was successful but has started turning outward again


I have an appointment to discuss the options, it looks like I may have to have surgery on my good eye in order to get them working together. If you go and see your Doctor they will refer you to a specialist.

It's awful being so self conscious, I hate it.

I totally understand what you mean.

I was told a few years ago that if I had an operation to correct it then it could start drifting again and that I wouldn't be able to have another operation to correct it as it would have been my third one.

I'm very self-conscious of my squint. I try not to look people in the eyes because of it.

LadyMorticia

tidus wrote: »

Its possible to have squint surgery as an adult - you should ask your GP to refer you. You may have to pay privately - its essentially a cosmetic proceedure - although I have known plenty of NHS cases, usually when the squint is judged to be effecting the persons confidence.

I'm hoping to go to my GP next week about it. Well, I need to go for something else so I'll ask about it while I'm there.:o

I don't mind paying privately. I just want to feel comfortable and confident with my appearance.

Adaline

I had a squint in both eyes corrected about 4 years ago, when I was in my late 30s. I've had the squint since birth, but had been able to control it before. I had a great surgeon, and everything went well, though it was painful afterwards for a few days. But now I'm so glad I've had it done, so if it's necessary and going to help, then it's probably a good thing to do.

EmmaCL

LadyMorticia wrote: »

I totally understand what you mean.

I was told a few years ago that if I had an operation to correct it then it could start drifting again and that I wouldn't be able to have another operation to correct it as it would have been my third one.

I'm very self-conscious of my squint. I try not to look people in the eyes because of it.

I have only had one operation but have been told they can't operate on it again, only on my "normal" eye.

I'm exactly the same, I work with teenagers as well so it makes me even more conscious. I'm due to start a pgce in September to qualify as a secondary school teacher but I'm thinking of pulling out because of this issue.

If I were you I'd see your gp and see what your options are

Leela_G

Just wondering how you got on with this. I also have a squint in my left eye (since birth) and plan to discuss with my doctor the next time i am there...

LadyMorticia

Leela_G wrote: »

Just wondering how you got on with this. I also have a squint in my left eye (since birth) and plan to discuss with my doctor the next time i am there...

Heylo.:wave:

I had my first appointment at the hospital yesterday, after the referral from my GP.

The optometrist did a few tests (i.e. the "look at my light ones" and also did a test to see if I would have any double vision if I had my eye corrected).

She said that based on the tests and what she saw, that she can't see any reason why the specialist or surgeon would say no to surgery, so now I'm just waiting for two appointments to come through - one for the specialist and one for the surgeon.:)

She also said that hopefully it'll be done by October (which is when I'm getting married).

Sucker_for_sweeties

I've been lucky, right eye operated on NHS when I was 20...optician(optomettrist?) referred me and it all happened without me asking.

Left eye (always a bit of a maverick) went mental about 5 years ago, both my GP and my optician referred me (without telling me....tho I am NOT complaining), NHS fixed this one too.

It amazing how used to 'the norm' ie squint you become, and I cannot overestimate the power of the op's affect.

OT a bit, my nickname at high school was Squint Eastwood...but I've almost recovered now.:p

rachaelbeth

Hi, have only just seen this post, I'm hopefully having surgery for a squint, not sure of the cost yet but have been told by the hospital that it will be between £2500 - £5,000 but I'm hoping it will be worth it