The author analyzes cosmetic and functional results of operations of 117 patients with congenital essential esotropia. Based on a 2-6-years postoperative follow-up and different results, the author compares two sub-groups of children in the investigated group: - 72 children operated at the age of 0.5-2 years - 45 children operated at the age of 2-4 years In the first group satisfactory cosmetic results were achieved in 84.7% of the operated children, amblyopia was cured in 86.1% children, but binocular functions are present (simple ones) in 29.1% children, complete ones in 11.1%. In the second group satisfactory cosmetic results were achieved in 77.7% of the operated children, amblyopia disappeared in 71% patients and simple binocular functions were present only in 13.3% children and complete one were not achieved in any of the children. The more favourable cosmetic effect and significantly better functional effect after early surgery are reasons supporting early surgery of congenital essential esotropia.