STEPHANIE WEST CONSULTANT OPHTHALMIC SURGEON
Specialist squint, double vision and children’s eye care in Southampton
Planning clearer vision? Let’s make sure your eyes work comfortably together too.
Whether you are considering laser eye surgery, refractive lens surgery or cataract surgery, it is important to consider how your eyes work together. Therefore, if you have a history of squint, amblyopia or double vision, a specialist assessment before surgery can help identify possible risks.
In addition, careful planning may reduce the chance of unexpected double vision afterwards.
For younger adults
Considering laser eye surgery or refractive lens treatment
For older adults
Preparing for cataract surgery or lens replacement
Before surgery
Specialist binocular vision and eye-alignment assessment
After surgery
Assessment if double vision or a squint develops
A previous squint or lazy eye can still be important
Glasses do more than sharpen vision. They can also influence eye alignment and the effort needed to keep the eyes working together.
Consequently, when laser surgery, lens replacement or cataract surgery changes the prescription, a previously controlled eye-muscle imbalance may become noticeable. For example, an old squint may return, or double vision may develop.
However, a specialist assessment before surgery can identify many of these risk factors. As a result, your treatment can be planned more carefully.
You may benefit from assessment if you have ever had
- A squint in childhood or adulthood
- Amblyopia or childhood patching
- Double vision
- Previous eye-muscle surgery
- Prism glasses
- An eye that occasionally turns
- Thyroid eye disease
- Eye strain or headaches
The right treatment in the right order
First, Stephanie and the orthoptic team assess your eye alignment. Next, the findings can be discussed with your cataract or refractive surgeon. Then, once the refractive result has stabilised, your alignment can be reviewed again. Finally, if a squint or double vision remains, further treatment can be considered.
1. Assessment
Specialist squint and binocular vision review
2. Measurements
Detailed orthoptic evaluation
3. Planning
Discussion with your treating surgeon
4. Surgery
Laser, lens or cataract treatment
5. Stabilisation
Allow vision and refraction to settle
6. Review
Reassess eye alignment afterwards
7. Treatment
Prism, Botox or squint surgery if needed
ADVICE TAILORED TO YOUR STAGE OF LIFE
IN YOUR 20S OR 30S AND CONSIDERING REFRACTIVE SURGERY?
You may hope to reduce your dependence on contact lenses or glasses. Nevertheless, if you have a past history of squint, amblyopia, patching or double vision, it is sensible to assess binocular vision first.
Moreover, refractive surgery changes the focusing demand on the eyes. Therefore, it may alter how well a small or intermittent squint is controlled.
PREPARING FOR CATARACT SURGERY?
Cataract surgery usually improves clarity. However, it can also change image size, focus and spectacle dependence. Consequently, a previous squint or prism requirement may become relevant again.
For this reason, patients with a history of amblyopia, double vision or eye-muscle surgery may benefit from assessment before choosing lenses and planning surgery.
Developed double vision after cataract or refractive surgery?
Occasionally, double vision appears after cataract surgery, laser eye surgery or refractive lens exchange. Importantly, this does not necessarily mean that the original surgery went wrong.
Instead, the procedure may have uncovered a previously compensated squint, changed a prism requirement or altered how the two eyes work together.
Therefore, a detailed orthoptic and ophthalmic assessment is the best next step. Depending on the cause, treatment may include observation, prism glasses, Botox or squint surgery.
- Temporary or permanent prism glasses
- Observation while vision stabilises
- Botulinum toxin treatment
- Squint surgery where appropriate
- Orthoptic treatment and advice
- Liaison with your original surgeon
I am happy to work with your chosen surgeon
If refractive or cataract surgery is appropriate, I work collaboratively with experienced eye surgeons across the region. Therefore, your visual goals, eye alignment and binocular function can all be considered together.
Equally, if you already have a preferred surgeon, I am very happy to work with them. I also regularly receive referrals from cataract surgeons, refractive surgeons, optometrists and orthoptists for assessment before and after surgery.
Clear communication
Relevant findings can be shared with your treating surgeon.
Patient choice
You remain free to choose your own cataract or refractive specialist.
Book a specialist binocular vision assessment
Appointments are suitable for younger adults considering refractive surgery, older adults preparing for cataract surgery and anyone who develops double vision afterwards.