Frequently Asked Questions about children's eyes, strabismus, and eyelids
Simple and reassuring answers to the most common questions we receive from parents. This information is general and does not replace a clinical examination, but it helps you know when you need reassurance and when it's best to book an examination

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Contact via WhatsAppWhat is strabismus?
Strabismus is the misalignment of the eyes, meaning one eye looks in one direction while the other eye looks in a different direction. It can be inward, outward, upward, or downward
Can strabismus in children go away on its own?
Not all strabismus goes away on its own. In mild or intermittent cases, it may only require follow-up. However, in many cases, early examination is necessary to prevent amblyopia (lazy eye) or impairment of binocular vision
When should I have my son or daughter examined if they have strabismus?
It is preferable to have an examination as soon as you notice a constant or repeated deviation in the eye, because early diagnosis makes a significant difference in treatment and outcome
Can glasses treat strabismus?
In some types, especially strabismus associated with farsightedness, glasses can help significantly or even completely correct the strabismus. However, this is determined after an examination and vision measurement
Does every case of strabismus require surgery?
No, not every case of strabismus requires surgery. Treatment may include glasses, amblyopia (lazy eye) treatment, follow-up, or surgery, depending on the cause, type, and degree of strabismus.
Is strabismus surgery performed on the eye itself or on the muscles?
Strabismus surgery is typically performed on the external eye muscles to adjust their balance, not on the inner part responsible for vision
Is strabismus surgery painful?
There is usually mild discomfort or a sensation of burning and redness after the procedure for a short period, and the doctor will explain the appropriate medications and post-operative instructions.
Does strabismus surgery just improve how the eyes look, or does it improve vision as well?
The main purpose of the procedure is to straighten the eyes. In certain cases, it may also improve visual comfort, alleviate double vision, or help the eyes work better together.
Does strabismus cause lazy eye?
Yes, it is possible, particularly in young children, if the brain begins to suppress the image from the deviated eye. This is why early diagnosis and timely treatment are essential.
Is strabismus surgery suitable for adults?
Yes, adult strabismus surgery is possible. It can help straighten the eyes, alleviate double vision, or reduce eye fatigue, depending on the individual situation.
Is it normal for the eye to drift in and out of alignment?
Intermittent eye misalignment isn’t always a simple issue, particularly if it happens more often or becomes more obvious when the child is tired or exposed to sunlight. The condition should be properly assessed to decide whether just follow-up is enough or if treatment is needed.
Can smartphones or television cause crossed eyes?
Using screens does not directly cause most types of strabismus. However, eye strain can make pre-existing misalignment more apparent. A proper diagnosis requires an eye examination, not just observation of the symptoms.
Can strabismus be inherited?
A hereditary component may be present in certain families, but having a family history of strabismus does not mean every child will be affected. However, it does highlight the importance of early eye screening.
Will I or my child still need glasses following strabismus surgery?
Yes, glasses may still be required after the procedure if the patient has hyperopia, myopia, or astigmatism, as strabismus surgery does not usually correct refractive errors.
Is it possible for the eye misalignment to come back following therapy or surgery?
Some cases may experience a partial return of misalignment or require ongoing monitoring over the long term. This depends on factors such as the type of strabismus, the patient’s age, and how well the condition responded to initial treatment.
What is eyelid laxity (drooping eyelid)?
Drooping eyelid (ptosis) is when the upper eyelid sits lower than its normal position. It can be present from birth or develop later in life due to aging or other factors.
Can a drooping eyelid impact eyesight?
Yes, the drooping eyelid can block part of the field of vision. In children, severe ptosis may also interfere with normal visual development.
What causes drooping eyelids in children?
It is usually due to a congenital weakness of the muscle that raises the eyelid, and the condition may be noticeable at birth.
Can a drooping eyelid lead to amblyopia?
Yes, when the drooping eyelid substantially blocks the line of sight, it may result in amblyopia (lazy eye) unless it is addressed promptly.
When is surgery necessary for a drooping eyelid?
Surgery is considered when the drooping eyelid interferes with sight, leads to a constant head tilt, or noticeably affects both the appearance and normal function of the eyelid.
Is it possible to correct a drooping eyelid without an operation?
It depends on the underlying cause and how severe the drooping is. However, moderate to severe cases usually need surgery.
Is drooping eyelid surgery safe for children?
Yes, ptosis surgery is a common procedure in children when it is needed, and it is only carried out after careful assessment of the case.
Does the procedure result in noticeable scars?
The surgical incision is made as much as possible within the natural fold of the eyelid, ensuring that any scarring becomes barely visible as time passes.
How long does drooping eyelid surgery last?
The duration depends on the specific condition, but the surgery usually lasts between 45 minutes and approximately 90 minutes.
Is an overnight hospital stay required following the procedure?
Most patients are able to go home on the day of the surgery.
How soon will I see the results of the procedure?
You can see the immediate effect right after the procedure, but the final result continues to refine and improve in the weeks that follow.
Is it possible for the drooping eyelid to recur after surgery?
In certain situations, the condition may evolve over the years, and some patients might require a minor revision procedure. However, the majority of patients enjoy long-term, stable results.
Is the procedure for drooping eyelids different in children compared to adults?
Yes, the surgical technique is selected based on the patient’s age, the strength of the eyelid muscle, and the underlying cause of the ptosis.
No, eyelid ptosis is not just a cosmetic concern; it can also affect vision and visual development, especially in children.
No, it can affect vision, head posture, and visual development in children, in addition to its impact on appearance.
When should you visit the doctor?
If you notice drooping of one or both eyelids, or if the child constantly raises their eyebrows or tilts their head back to see more clearly.
What is nasolacrimal duct obstruction?
It means the tear drainage pathway is partially or completely blocked, so tears do not drain properly and the eye becomes persistently watery.
What are the symptoms of nasolacrimal duct obstruction?
The most common symptoms are persistent tearing, discharge or stickiness, and sometimes irritation around the eye; symptoms may worsen with cold weather, wind, or colds.
Is nasolacrimal duct obstruction common in infants?
Yes, it can occur because the tear duct has not yet fully opened in some newborns.
Can it improve on its own in a child?
In many children, the condition improves spontaneously over time during the first year of life with proper hygiene and following the doctor’s instructions.
Is massage beneficial?
Massage may be beneficial for some young infants as directed by the doctor, but it is not suitable for all ages or all causes.
When does a child require intervention or probing?
If symptoms persist and do not improve with time and conservative management, the doctor may suggest tear duct probing or an appropriate procedure based on the child’s age and condition.
Is the success rate of probing good in children?
In cases of simple obstruction, the success rates are very high, though success varies depending on the type of obstruction and the child’s age.
Can nasolacrimal duct obstruction cause infections?
It may cause recurrent discharge or infections, especially if tears accumulate within the duct and cannot drain normally.
Does the antibiotic treat the obstruction itself?
Antibiotics may help if there is an accompanying infection, but they do not open the mechanical obstruction itself in all cases.
In adults, what is the most common cause of increased tearing?
In adults, obstruction or narrowing of the tear ducts is a common cause of increased tearing, particularly with aging or following infections.
What is the common surgery for treating obstruction in adults?
The common procedure in many adult cases is DCR (dacryocystorhinostomy), which aims to create a new pathway for tear drainage.
Does every case of tearing mean nasolacrimal duct obstruction?
No, increased tearing has various causes such as irritation, allergies, dry eye, or obstruction, so the cause is determined through examination.
Is the obstruction painful?
Not always. Sometimes the main symptoms are tearing or discharge, but if infection occurs, pain and swelling may develop.
When does improvement appear after probing or the procedure?
Tearing and stickiness often improve within days to a week in simple cases, but follow-up is important according to the doctor’s instructions.
What signs require prompt medical review?
Painful swelling next to the nose, severe redness, fever, copious discharge, or a clear worsening of symptoms requires prompt medical review.
What is lazy eye (amblyopia)?
Lazy eye (amblyopia) is reduced vision in one or both eyes resulting from abnormal visual development during early childhood, and the earlier it is detected, the better the chance for successful treatment.
Can lazy eye be treated after the age of 7?
Yes, improvement can be achieved in some cases after the age of 7, but the best results are obtained when treatment is started early.
How long does lazy eye treatment take?
The duration varies from one child to another depending on age and the degree of amblyopia, and may extend from several months to more than a year with regular follow-up.
Are glasses alone sufficient?
In some cases yes, while other cases require patching of the healthy eye or additional treatment modalities depending on the physician’s assessment.
When does a child need glasses?
When poor vision affects eyesight, learning, or causes strabismus or recurrent headaches.
Does wearing glasses weaken the eyes?
No, glasses do not weaken the eyes; rather, they help the child see more clearly and support normal visual development.
Can glasses be discontinued later?
That depends on the type and degree of refractive error; some children need glasses less as they grow, while others require continued use.
When should a child’s vision be examined for the first time?
A comprehensive eye examination is preferred during the first few years of life, especially if there is a family history of eye problems.
When do I need eyelid cosmetic surgery (blepharoplasty)?
When excess skin or sagging affects appearance or the field of vision.
Does the procedure result in noticeable scars?
Surgical incisions are made in precise locations so that scars become unnoticeable over time.
How long does the recovery period take?
Most patients can return to daily activities within a few days with gradual improvement in swelling.
When does the final result appear?
Results begin to appear during the first few weeks and gradually improve over the following months.
When should a child’s eye be examined?
Upon noticing any vision problem or strabismus, or as a routine screening during early childhood years.
How are young children examined?
There are specialized methods and devices that allow vision assessment even for children who cannot read or speak.
Does a child need pupil dilation?
In many cases yes, to obtain an accurate measurement of refraction and to perform a complete eye examination.
When is strabismus a sign of a problem that requires treatment?
If strabismus persists or appears repeatedly after the first few months of life, the child should be evaluated by a specialist.
Is general anesthesia safe for children?
Yes, general anesthesia is considered very safe when administered by a specialized anesthesiologist after a thorough preoperative health assessment of the child.
Can strabismus surgery be performed without general anesthesia?
In children, the procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia to ensure the child’s comfort and safety, while some other procedures may be suitable for local anesthesia in adults.
Will my child feel pain during the surgery?
No, the child feels no pain during surgery due to anesthesia, though mild discomfort or a sensation of a foreign body in the eye may occur during the first few days after the procedure.
How long does the surgery take?
The duration varies depending on the case, but most strabismus surgeries take approximately 30 minutes to one and a half hours.
Does the patient need to stay overnight in the hospital?
In most cases, the patient returns home on the same day after being medically cleared.
When can the child eat after surgery?
Liquids followed by light food can be started after full recovery from anesthesia according to the doctor’s instructions.
When can the child return to school after surgery?
Most children can return to school within a few days, depending on the type of surgery and the speed of recovery.
When can one return to sports and swimming?
The doctor determines the appropriate timeframe for each case, and swimming and strenuous sports are usually postponed for a short period after surgery.
Will the eye need a dressing or shield after surgery?
In most cases, the patient does not need a prolonged eye dressing; this depends on the type of surgery performed.
When does the result of the surgery appear?
The initial result may be visible immediately, while the final outcome stabilizes over the following weeks as the tissues heal.
Can the patient need more than one surgery?
In some complex cases or with large-angle strabismus, the patient may require more than one surgical procedure to achieve the best possible outcome.
What examinations are required before surgery?
The doctor may request some medical tests or routine laboratory investigations to confirm the patient’s fitness for anesthesia and surgery.
Can the surgery be performed at any age?
That depends on the type and severity of the condition; some cases are best treated early to achieve optimal outcomes.
What should I do if my child is afraid of the surgery?
It is normal for children to feel anxious; the medical team explains the procedure in a simple and reassuring manner to help the child and parents feel at ease.
When should the doctor be contacted after surgery?
If unexpected symptoms occur, such as severe pain, increasing swelling, abnormal discharge, or any concerning signs, the doctor should be contacted immediately.

