by Ela, 13

I was born with a condition called strabismus, an eye disorder which affected my everyday life like watching TV and being in school. The disorder means that one eye goes in towards the nose, or out, or even up or down. It could get stressful at its worst.

Operation

I had a first operation when I was about three or four years old, which I don't remember much about. But more recently I had operations at hospital and doctors think it's nearly cured now.

I went to a day care unit at Great Ormond Street Hospital, where I had to wait for a while until I was treated. You never get bored there – I even watched a film while I waited!

No problems

I was taken to the theatre where I was injected with an anaesthetic. It didn't hurt one bit as they had numbed my hand with some cream earlier. The operation didn't last long, and I woke up with a bit of a sore eye but apart from that I was just a little drowsy.

Going home wasn't really an issue. I was well enough to leave that evening.

For anyone who is visiting Great Ormond Street Hospital, good luck with your treatment and don't worry – it isn't scary or anything!

This story may have been edited by Children First for Health for editorial and confidentiality reasons only.

For more help and information:

If you would like to know more about squints/strabismus please ask your doctor.

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