In the event that other treatments are not effective, surgery may be advised. Surgery will aim to improve the alignment of the eyes and may allow the eyes to work together. Eye movements are controlled by six precisely synchronised muscles. Surgical correction involves tightening (or strengthening) a weak muscle by shortening it. Alternatively, another approach may involve loosening a muscle by repositioning its attachment to the eye. Your surgeon may utilise one or both of these methods to help position the eye in the correct direction. Surgery can dramatically improve the appearance of a squint. Surgery is very safe and rarely results in complications.