Strabismus, commonly known as squint, is a condition in which the eyes do not align properly and point in different directions. While one eye looks straight ahead, the other may turn inward, outward, upward, or downward.
The misalignment may be constant or occasional, and it can affect both children and adults. Strabismus is quite common in children and, if not treated early, may lead to vision problems.
At Sushila Hospital, our specialists provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for squint to help restore proper eye alignment and vision.
In normal vision, both eyes focus on the same object at the same time. The brain combines the images from both eyes to create a single three-dimensional image, allowing us to judge depth and distance.
When one eye turns away from the target, the brain receives two different images. In children, the brain may ignore the image from the misaligned eye, which can lead to reduced vision in that eye.
Strabismus can lead to amblyopia, also known as lazy eye, where the vision in one eye becomes weaker because the brain favors the stronger eye.
Early treatment can improve vision significantly. Treatment may include patching the stronger eye to encourage the weaker eye to work harder and develop better vision.
The earlier amblyopia is detected and treated, the better the chances of restoring normal vision.
Strabismus occurs when the eye muscles do not work together properly. The movement of the eyes is controlled by six muscles in each eye and coordinated by the brain.
Possible causes include:
This is the most common type, where the eye turns inward. It often appears in infants or young children.
This occurs in far-sighted children, where extra focusing effort causes the eyes to cross. In many cases, glasses can help correct the alignment.
In this condition, the eye turns outward. It may appear occasionally, especially when a child is tired, ill, or looking at distant objects.
Common signs of squint include:
Parents should seek an eye examination if they notice any of these symptoms in children.
Strabismus is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist. Early vision screening is recommended for children, ideally before the age of four, or earlier if there is a family history of squint or lazy eye.
In some cases, corrective spectacles can help align the eyes and improve vision.
Treatment may include eye patching or special eye drops to strengthen the weaker eye.
If the eye muscles are not balanced, surgery may be performed to adjust their position and improve eye alignment. The procedure is safe and effective, and most patients recover quickly.
In selected cases, Botox injections may be used to temporarily relax certain eye muscles and improve alignment.