A squint, or strabismus, is an uneven alignment of the two eyes. Instead of working together to fix their gaze on something, one eye will cross inward, out, up, or down. Squint isn’t merely a cosmetic issue—unless treated, it can have very debilitating impacts on eyesight and depth perception. The bright side is, with modern technology in medicine, treatment for squint eyes is improved and accessible.
What Is Squint Eye (Strabismus)?
Strabismus occurs when muscles that control the movement of the eyes are not functioning harmoniously. An eye might appear to be directed straight forward, while the other eye is directed in another direction. The resulting misalignment makes the eyes unable to focus on a point, leading to vision problems like double vision or a lazy eye (amblyopia).
Types of Squint:
- Esotropia: Inward turning eye
- Exotropia: Outward turning eye
- Hypertropia: Upward turning eye
- Hypotropia: Downward turning eye
Squint can be constant or intermittent and can be present in one eye or both eyes.
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Causes of Squint Eye
The squint eye can be congenital (present from birth) or acquired (developing later in life). The cause should be diagnosed to select the best treatment.
Common Squint Eye Causes:
- Congenital muscle imbalance
- Untreated refractive errors (especially farsightedness)
- Neurological diseases (e.g., cerebral palsy, stroke)
- Genetic disorders
- Trauma or injury to the eye
- Tumors or brain lesions
- Poor vision in one eye
- Medical conditions like diabetes or thyroid disease
In other cases, the reason is not apparent, especially in children.
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What are the Symptoms of Squint Eye?
Early diagnosis of squint eye symptoms is crucial to prevent permanent visual loss. Symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of the condition.
Common Symptoms:
- Apparent misalignment of the eye
- Double vision (especially in adults)
- Blurry vision or inability to focus
- Eye strain or headache
- Tilting or turning the head in order to view through one eye
- Poor depth perception
- Squinting or shutting one eye, especially in sunlight
Symptoms might not be apparent in children. The parents tend to notice the misalignment or strange eye movements initially.
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Why Should Squint Be Treated?
Not treating a squint can lead to:
- Amblyopia (lazy eye)
- Permanently losing vision in one eye
- Trouble judging distance
- Double vision
- Low self-esteem and social issues
Treating squint as soon as possible—ideally early in childhood—is the best.
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How Is Squint Diagnosed?
A complete eye checkup by an ophthalmologist or pediatric eye specialist is required. Diagnostic procedures are:
- Visual acuity tests
- Refraction tests (to detect refractive errors)
- Cover-uncover test (to observe misalignment)
- Retinal examination
- Ocular motility tests (to check the movement of the eyes)
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Non-Surgical Remedies for Squint Eye
In some cases, specifically in children, squint can be cured without surgery. These remedies aim to support the muscle of the eyes or remove underlying refractive errors.
- Corrective Spectacles or Contact Lenses
If the squinting is caused by farsightedness, the alignment can be improved by putting on glasses prescribed. This is common in accommodative esotropia.
- Eye Patching
This involves patching the stronger eye in order to promote the weaker one. It’s a common method to treat amblyopia in children.
- Prism Glasses
The glasses help align eye images and reduce double vision, especially in adult patients.
- Vision Therapy / Eye Exercises
Customized exercises help to increase eye coordination and strengthen eye muscles. Vision therapy can be used in conjunction with other treatments.
- Botulinum Toxin (Botox) Injections
Botox is injected into overactive eye muscles to relax them for the short term, allowing the eyes to straighten. Outcomes are not necessarily long-lasting, but this is an option that is worth it for certain adult patients.
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Squint Eye Surgery: What You Need to Know
Surgery is considered only when non-surgical measures fail. Squint eyesurgery involves putting the eye muscles in line by changing the position or length of the muscles.
Key Points:
- Surgery can be performed at any age but with better results if performed earlier (in childhood).
- It’s generally done under general anesthesia in children and local anesthesia in adults.
- It’s a day-care procedure with minimum downtime.
- Various operations are occasionally required if the squint is complex or severe.
Recovery:
- Mild redness and pain are to be anticipated for a few days.
- The majority of patients resume routine daily activities within a week.
- Medications and eye drops are employed for healing in squint eye surgery cost in India.
Regular follow-ups should be maintained.
Read Also: Understanding Squint: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment Options
Squint Eye Surgery Cost in India
The price of surgery for squint eye, though, varies according to the hospital, city, and complexity of the case, as well as whether both eyes or only one are involved.
Approximate Prices:
- Government hospitals: Free to INR 10,000
- Private hospitals: INR 25,000 to INR 70,000 per eye
- Super-specialty eye clinics: INR 40,000 to INR 1,00,000
Additional charges may include consultation, diagnostic tests, anesthesia, post-operative treatment, and medicines.
A few medical insurance plans cover squint surgery, especially when medically necessary.
Are Results Permanent?
Squint surgery or treatment is usually successful, but long-term results depend on:
- Type and severity of squint
- Age at treatment
- Regularity of follow-up care and exercises
In other cases, further surgery or long-term therapy may be needed to realign.
Can Adults Undergo Treatment for Squint?
Yes. Squint is often acquired by many adults due to trauma, stroke, nerve palsy, or uncorrected squint in childhood. Adult strabismus may be successfully treated with:
- Prism lenses
- Botox injections
- Eye muscle surgery
In adults, cosmetic correction is typically sought, cure of double vision, or improvement in binocular function. Modern techniques yield safe and satisfying outcomes.
Prevention of Squint Eye Complications
It is not possible to prevent all squints, but amblyopia and vision loss can be avoided if treated early.
Preventive Tips:
- Arrange regular eye examinations in children
- Watch for eye misalignment
- Correct refractive errors early
Persuade children to follow eye patching or exercise programs when prescribed
Conclusion
Squint eye or strabismus is not only a matter of appearance. Without treatment, it can worsen vision and affect the life of a person and his self-confidence. Fortunately, today there are a number of options from modern medicine—from vision therapy and corrective lenses to complicated surgery—to correct the eyes and have normal vision.
If you or your child shows symptoms of squint, do not wait. Early visit to the eye specialist can lead to early diagnosis and optimal treatment.
Take the first step—make an eye check-up appointment today.
