Precise Eye Alignment & Vision Correction by World-Renowned Specialists
Strabismus, commonly known as squint, is a condition where the eyes are misaligned and do not look in the same direction. At Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai and Abu Dhabi, our UK-trained ophthalmologists specialize in the diagnosis, management, and surgical correction of both pediatric and adult strabismus, restoring natural alignment, visual balance, and confidence. Using advanced diagnostics, microsurgical precision, and compassionate care, Moorfields helps patients achieve lasting visual harmony and improved quality of life.
❓ What Is Strabismus (Squint)?
Strabismus occurs when the eye muscles controlling movement are out of balance, causing one eye to look in a different direction from the other.
✔️ The misalignment can be inward (esotropia), outward (exotropia), upward (hypertropia), or downward (hypotropia).
✔️ In children, it can lead to amblyopia (lazy eye) if left untreated.
✔️ In adults, it may cause double vision, eye strain, or difficulty focusing.
The condition affects both vision and appearance, but with modern treatment — including corrective lenses, vision therapy, or minimally invasive surgery — most patients achieve excellent outcomes.
ℹ️ Types of Strabismus (Squint)
Pediatric Strabismus
Pediatric squint often develops due to muscle imbalance or uncorrected refractive error. Early detection ensures better long-term visual outcomes.
Common types include:
✔️ Manifest Squint – one eye constantly deviates from the other.
✔️ Latent Squint – appears intermittently, especially during fatigue.
✔️ Alternating Squint – both eyes take turns deviating.
✔️ Paralytic Squint – caused by nerve or muscle weakness.
✔️ Pseudo-Strabismus – false appearance due to facial structure, common in infants.
Causes & Risk Factors:
- Need for glasses (hypermetropia)
- Congenital squint or visual obstruction (cataract, droopy lid)
- Genetic conditions (Down’s syndrome, cerebral palsy)
- Trauma or developmental delay
Symptoms in Children:
- Difficulty focusing or tracking objects
- Eyes that don’t move together
- Eye turning inward or outward
- Head tilting
- Poor depth perception
Adult Strabismus
Adult squint may persist from childhood or develop later due to trauma, systemic illness, or neurological conditions. It affects about 4% of adults, often causing double vision, headaches, and reduced depth perception.
Types of Adult Strabismus:
✔️ Non-Paralytic: residual or recurrent from childhood.
✔️ Paralytic: caused by nerve damage (stroke, diabetes, trauma).
✔️ Restrictive: due to scarring, thyroid eye disease, or fibrosis.
Symptoms in Adults:
- Double vision (diplopia)
- Eye strain and fatigue
- Difficulty with close-up tasks
- Abnormal head posture
- Loss of 3D vision
Risk Factors:
- Aging-related muscle changes
- Previous squint surgery
- Neurological disorders or trauma
- Diabetes or thyroid disease
🙋♂️ Who Is a Good Candidate?
✔️ Children showing persistent eye misalignment.
✔️ Adults with double vision, eye strain, or visible misalignment.
✔️ Patients with high refractive error or neurological disorders.
✔️ Individuals with previous squint surgery seeking correction.
✔️ Those in good health, able to follow pre- and post-surgery instructions.
Early evaluation ensures better visual outcomes and easier recovery.
🩺 Consultation & Preparation
At Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai and Abu Dhabi, every patient undergoes a comprehensive squint assessment that may include:
- Orthoptic evaluation: measuring eye movement and coordination.
- Optometry and refraction testing: identifying vision or refractive errors.
- Ophthalmologist consultation: determining the best treatment plan.
- Imaging & diagnostics: such as ocular motility studies or MRI if neurological causes are suspected.
Before surgery, patients are advised to:
✔️ Stop certain medications if recommended.
✔️ Arrange for post-procedure care and rest.
✔️ Fast as instructed before general anesthesia.
✅ Treatment & Surgical Options
For Adults:
1. Conservative Treatment
Eye exercises or prism glasses may relieve symptoms in mild or temporary cases.
2. Non-Adjustable Surgery
Under general anesthesia, eye muscles are repositioned to improve alignment. This is a same-day procedure.
3. Adjustable Surgery
A two-step approach: initial muscle repositioning under anesthesia, followed by precise adjustments while awake under local anesthesia. Ideal for complex or recurrent squints.
Goals of Adult Squint Surgery:
✔️ Realign eyes for a natural look.
✔️ Reduce or eliminate double vision.
✔️ Improve binocular function and posture.
For Children:
1. Glasses Correction
Refractive squints may fully or partially correct with eyeglasses.
2. Active Monitoring
Intermittent squints are observed to monitor stability before intervention.
3. Botox Injections
Used in select cases to temporarily relax eye muscles.
4. Squint Surgery
Performed under general anesthesia, focusing on strengthening or repositioning muscles for long-term alignment.
ℹ️ Recovery & Aftercare
✔️ Mild redness, discomfort, or swelling for a few days is normal.
✔️ Use prescribed eye drops and pain relievers as directed.
✔️ Clean eyelids gently with cooled boiled water; avoid rubbing eyes.
✔️ No swimming, heavy lifting, or contact lens use for at least 2 weeks.
✔️ Attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing and alignment.
Recovery time varies, but most patients notice visible and functional improvement within a few weeks, with full healing in 2–3 months.
🔍 Why Choose Moorfields Eye Hospital UAE?
✔️ Over 200 years of Moorfields London legacy in ophthalmic innovation.
✔️ UK-trained pediatric and adult squint surgeons with decades of experience.
✔️ Advanced diagnostics including OCT, ocular motility imaging, and orthoptic testing.
✔️ Expertise in both surgical and non-surgical management.
✔️ Comprehensive care under one roof — from diagnosis to rehabilitation.
✔️ Trusted by patients from over 90 countries worldwide.
At Moorfields, the goal is not only to straighten the eyes — but to restore vision, depth perception, and confidence.
💬 Patient Reviews
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Hassan K. – United Arab Emirates
“I had a squint since childhood and avoided surgery for years. The Moorfields team explained every step and the result was life-changing — my eyes are perfectly aligned.”
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Lina M. – Saudi Arabia
“My son’s squint was corrected at Moorfields. The doctors were kind, professional, and the results exceeded our expectations.”
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Arun P. – India
“The adjustable squint surgery restored my confidence and eliminated my double vision completely.”
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Maria T. – UK
“My daughter’s intermittent squint improved remarkably with glasses and follow-up therapy. Exceptional pediatric team!”
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Fatima S. – Oman
“I was worried about my eye turning outwards. The surgery was quick, painless, and recovery was smooth. Highly recommended.”
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James C. – Canada
“Professional and precise. I had adult-onset strabismus after an injury, and Moorfields handled my case with advanced care.”
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Aisha B. – Kuwait
“The hospital combines expertise and empathy — my child felt safe and cared for.”
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Omar E. – Egypt
“From the first consultation to surgery, everything was efficient. My vision improved immediately.”
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Noura L. – Qatar
“The post-operative support and detailed follow-ups made all the difference.”
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Rebecca J. – USA
“As someone with high myopia and a recurrent squint, I’m grateful for Moorfields’ advanced approach. Truly world-class care.”
A Legacy of Excellence from London to the United Arab Emirates
Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai and Abu Dhabi are world-class centers of ophthalmic excellence, proudly affiliated with Moorfields Eye Hospital London — the world’s oldest and one of the largest institutions dedicated to eye care, teaching, and research.
Building on over two centuries of British heritage and expertise, Moorfields UAE offers cutting-edge diagnostics, surgical precision, and compassionate patient care, bringing internationally recognized ophthalmology standards to the heart of the Middle East.
Who We Are
Founded as extensions of the prestigious Moorfields Eye Hospital London, Moorfields Eye Hospitals in Dubai and Abu Dhabi provide the highest level of eye care across all ophthalmic subspecialties.
Each branch combines state-of-the-art facilities, internationally trained ophthalmologists, and advanced technology to diagnose and treat a wide range of eye conditions — from cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal disorders to complex pediatric and neuro-ophthalmic diseases.
Their mission is to operate to the highest clinical standards, mirroring their London counterpart, and to deliver the same trusted Moorfields quality of care within the UAE.
🌍International Patient Services
Moorfields Eye Hospital UAE welcomes patients from over 90 countries every year, offering dedicated support through its International Patient Department.
Services include:
✔️ Second medical opinions with personalized treatment plans from Moorfields specialists
✔️ Transparent cost estimates and package pricing
✔️ Multilingual staff and certified medical interpreters
✔️ Fast-track appointment scheduling and specialist consultations
✔️ Assistance with visas, travel, and accommodation
✔️ VIP airport transfers and concierge coordination
✔️ Post-treatment follow-up and medical reporting
Moorfields provides a seamless patient journey — from initial inquiry to full recovery — ensuring comfort, safety, and clarity every step of the way.
🌐 Why Moorfields Eye Hospital?
Mission:
To operate at the highest international clinical standards, provide comprehensive eye care across all age groups, advance ophthalmic research and education, and attract world-class specialists to the UAE.
Vision:
To be recognized as the leading eye hospital in the Middle East, offering exceptional, compassionate, and innovative eye care rooted in Moorfields’ global legacy.
Core Values:
✅ Professional – Upholding the rigorous Moorfields clinical and ethical standards.
✅ Friendly – Providing warmth, empathy, and reassurance to every patient.
✅ Helpful – Anticipating patient needs and exceeding expectations.
✅ Safe – Prioritizing patient safety and quality at all levels.
✅ Calm – Ensuring a stress-free, comforting clinical environment.
✅ Positive & Flexible – Embracing teamwork, adaptability, and continuous improvement.
🏅Accreditations & Standards
Moorfields Eye Hospital UAE delivers comprehensive adult and pediatric ophthalmology services, including:
✔️ Cataract Surgery – Advanced lens replacement and laser-assisted cataract procedures.
✔️ Glaucoma Management – Innovative pressure-control treatments for vision preservation.
✔️ Retina & Vitreous Services – Medical and surgical management of retinal diseases.
✔️ Cornea & Refractive Surgery – LASIK, PRK, and corneal transplants with precision technology.
✔️ Pediatric Ophthalmology – Specialized eye care for children including strabismus and amblyopia.
✔️ Oculoplastic & Reconstructive Surgery – Cosmetic and functional eyelid and orbital procedures.
✔️ Neuro-Ophthalmology – Diagnosis and treatment of vision problems linked to neurological disorders.
✔️ Genetic Eye Disease & Ocular Oncology Services – Early detection and personalized management.
Each department integrates clinical excellence, patient education, and research collaboration with Moorfields London.
🛬 A Global Eye Care Destination
Located in Dubai Healthcare City and Abu Dhabi, Moorfields UAE is easily accessible for international travelers, with nearby 5-star hotels such as Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk and Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights, and airline partners Emirates and Fly Dubai offering extensive global connections.
Patients from Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia choose Moorfields UAE for its trusted British medical heritage, advanced technology, and exceptional continuity of care.
🌐 Why Choose Moorfields Eye Hospital UAE
✔️ Backed by the heritage and expertise of Moorfields Eye Hospital London
✔️ The first international branch of a globally renowned eye care institution
✔️ Highly qualified consultants trained in the UK and Europe
✔️ Comprehensive ophthalmic services for adults and children
✔️ State-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical technology
✔️ Multilingual, patient-focused staff providing personalized care
✔️ Commitment to education and research, fostering innovation in the region
✔️ Strategic locations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for easy global access
Why Choose Moorfields Eye Hospital UAE
- Moorfields Eye Hospital UAE brings over 200 years of ophthalmic excellence from London to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, offering patients world-class care in one of the region’s leading medical destinations.
- Located in Dubai Health Care City and Marina Village Abu Dhabi, both branches are easily accessible from major international airports, making travel simple and stress-free for international patients.
- Moorfields Eye Hospital UAE is affiliated with Moorfields Eye Hospital London, and follows Joint Commission International (JCI) standards — ensuring the highest levels of patient safety and medical quality.
- The hospital’s team includes fellowship-trained ophthalmologists from the UK and other leading global institutions, specializing in every area of eye care — from complex retinal surgery to pediatric ophthalmology.
- Communication is seamless. The hospital’s staff speak English, Arabic, and multiple international languages, ensuring comfort and clarity for every patient.
- Each patient receives a tailored treatment plan, often beginning with a virtual consultation, followed by seamless coordination of appointments, procedures, and recovery.
- Moorfields offers comprehensive eye care under one roof — including cataract, glaucoma, corneal, retina, oculoplastic, and refractive surgery, as well as pediatric eye care and vision correction.
- The hospital provides concierge-style support for international patients — helping arrange travel, accommodation, airport transfers, and post-treatment follow-up for a smooth medical journey.
- Moorfields facilities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are designed for patient comfort, with state-of-the-art technology, strict hygiene standards, and private, welcoming environments.
- Patients can combine their medical visit with a memorable trip. The UAE offers world-class hotels, shopping, beaches, desert adventures, and cultural experiences — all within one of the safest and most modern countries in the world.
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