A squint, also referred to as strabismus, is a condition in which the eyes do not aim in the same direction. Rather than the two eyes aiming in the same direction, one eye turns inward, outward, upward, or downward. The misalignment may be permanent or occur intermittently. Squint can occur in both children and adults and can cause vision issues if left untreated in time.
Though it is usual in children and babies, squint may continue or even develop later in life for a number of reasons. It is essential to check early and treat squint, since untreatable squint can lead to amblyopia (lazy eye), impaired depth perception, or even irreversible loss of vision in the squinting eye.
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What Is a Squint Eye (Strabismus)?
A squint or strabismus is a misalignment of the eyes. Under normal circumstances, both eyes move together and look at the same object. In an individual with a squint, one eye fixes on the object straight ahead, whereas the other eye can point in another direction. This misalignment can be of varying severity and direction.
Types of Squint:
- Esotropia – Turning of the eye inward
- Exotropia – Turning of the eye outward
- Hypertropia – Turning of the eye upwards
- Hypotropia – Turning of the eye downwards
Squints can also be also:
- Constant: All the time
- Intermittent: Only occurs at times (e.g., when tired or unwell)
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What Causes a Squint?
Squint has a wide range of causes. Some people are born with it, and some develop it because of medical, neurological, or muscular issues.
Common Causes of Squint:
- Congenital causes (born with it)
- Uncorrected errors in refraction (particularly farsightedness)
- Genetic causes (family history of squint or eye issues)
- Nerve palsy (paralysis of muscles responsible for eye movement)
- Eye trauma
- Cerebral palsy or Down syndrome
- Brain tumor or neurological conditions
- Stroke (particularly in adults)
- Nerve damage due to diabetes
- Reduced vision in one eye
It is crucial to determine the cause, particularly in adult-onset squint, as it may be due to a serious medical condition.
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What Are the Symptoms of Squint Eye?
The signs of squint vary with the type and degree of misalignment, the age of onset, and whether it is constant or not.
Common Signs:
- Eyes that seem to be crooked (one eye turning in a different direction)
- Double vision (diplopia), particularly in adults
- Turning or tilting of the head to view with one eye
- Difficulty in focusing on objects
- Poor sense of depth
- Eye strain or headache
- Closing or squinting one eye on bright sunlight
Symptoms in children may be mild. Parents more often see the misalignment than do the children prior to the complaint of visual problems.
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How Is Squint Diagnosed?
Early detection of squint is important, especially in children. A comprehensive eye test can establish the type, degree, and cause of the squint.
Diagnostic Tests May Include:
- Visual acuity tests to evaluate vision in each eye
- Cover tests to evaluate eye alignment
- Refraction tests to identify refractive errors (such as farsightedness)
- Retinal examination to evaluate the back of the eye
- Neurological examinations if a nerve problem is suspected
Pediatric ophthalmologists may conduct specialized evaluations in children, occasionally utilizing dilating drops to more clearly see.
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What Are the Complications of Untreated Squint?
Left untreated, squint can cause various complications to vision and eye health:
- Amblyopia (lazy eye): When the brain begins to disregard the image from the cross-eyed eye
- Loss of binocular vision: The use of both eyes together for judging depth
- Double vision: Frequent in adult-onset squint
- Cosmetic issues and low self-esteem
- Eye strain and headaches
Treatments are best done early, particularly in children, to avoid permanent visual issues.
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What Are the Treatment Options for Squint?
Treatment is based on the cause, type, and age of the patient. In most instances, more than one method is employed to provide optimal results.
- Corrective Glasses or Contact Lenses
If the squint is due to a refractive error such as farsightedness, glasses will correct the alignment, particularly in children.
- Eye Patching (Occlusion Therapy)
In children with amblyopia, the stronger eye can be patched to pressure the weaker eye to work harder and develop vision.
- Prism Glasses
These special lenses align the pictures seen by both eyes and are frequently prescribed in double vision cases.
- Vision Therapy / Eye Exercises
Controlled exercises can be done to make the eye muscles stronger and better coordinated. They are usually combined with other treatments.
- Botulinum Toxin (Botox) Injections
Botox is injected into overactive eye muscles to weaken them temporarily, which relaxes the muscles and improves alignment. It is more frequently done in adult squint cases.
- Surgery
Surgery of the muscles of the eyes is a routine and effective treatment, particularly in unresponsive cases. The surgeon corrects the length or position of one or more muscles of the eye to align the eyes.
Surgery is typically an outpatient procedure with little risk. Some patients will require more than one surgery in the course of time.
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Is Squint Treatable in Adults?
Yes. While treatment is most effective in children, adults with squint can also benefit from vision therapy, prism glasses, or surgery. In adults, treatment is often aimed at improving vision, reducing double vision, and enhancing cosmetic appearance.
However, treatment in adults requires a more detailed assessment to rule out underlying conditions like nerve damage, stroke, or tumors.
Can Squint Be Prevented?
Not all squints can be avoided, particularly those that result from congenital defects or neurological disorders. However, early detection and prompt treatment can avoid complications such as amblyopia and ensure good vision.
Prevention Tips:
- Provide children with frequent eye check-ups, particularly in cases where there is a family history of squint
- Correct refractive errors promptly using good glasses
- Inculcate good visual habits (sufficient light, screen breaks, etc.)
Get immediate medical care if there is sudden eye misalignment or double vision in adults.
Conclusion
A squint eye can appear at first glance to be a cosmetic problem, but it can have grave consequences on vision and lifestyle if not treated. In children or adults, early diagnosis and proper treatment can re-establish normal eye alignment and avoid loss of vision.
From eye glasses and eye exercises to cutting-edge surgery and Botox injections, various treatments can be accessed now. The secret is acting early.
If you or someone close to you has symptoms of a squint, don’t wait—see an eye expert or pediatric ophthalmologist. A quick eye exam may make all the difference in a lifetime.
