Squint/ Strabismus Treatment

Strabismus, or squint, is a condition in which the eyes are not properly aligned with each other. One eye may look straight ahead, while the other eye turns inward, outward, or downward.

Strabismus is a common condition among children. However, it can also occur later in life or during adulthood.

Strabismus occurs equally in males and females. It may run in families (inheritance); but there are also many cases where no family history is present.

The exact cause of strabismus is not fully understood.

It is commonly found in children with disorders such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, prematurity, hydrocephalus and brain tumours. However, vast majority of children with strabismus do not have these problems.

Many of them do have a family history of strabismus.

A cataract eye or eye injury that affects vision (severe amblyopia or lazy eye) can also result in strabismus.

This is the false appearance of misaligned eyes. The eyes may look crossed in but are actually straight.

Pseudostrabismus: The light reflection is symmetrical in both eyes although the eyes appear crossed in.

Pseudoexotropia (false exotropia): The eyes appear to be wandering out but are actually straight. While less common than pseudoesotropia, it also is often due to facial structures. Children with widely set eyes can appear as if their eyes are drifting out.

In some cases, eyeglasses can be prescribed to straighten the eyes. Other treatments may involve surgery to correct the unbalanced eye muscles.