Squint & Strabismus
What is strabismus?
Strabismus or squint refers to the condition of misalignment of the
eyes. While one eye looks forward the other eye may turn outwards, inwards, upwards or downwards. Sometimes this misalignment occurs only sometimes, with eyes remaining aligned at the
other times. This is termed as intermittent squint as opposed to
constant squint which is present all the time.
When does strabismus develop?
Squint may be present at birth or few months after birth (known
as a congenital or infantile squint) while some may develop a
squint later (known as a acquired squint).
Why does strabismus develop?
Strabismus can be caused by genetic or hereditary factors but
many a times the exact reason for squint is not known. Acquired
squints may be caused by the eye attempting to overcome a vision
problem, such as shortsightedness or farsightedness or because of
poor vision in one eye causing lazy eye and squint to manifest.
Squint may also be caused due to paralysis or weakness of the
nerves which control the eye muscles responsible for movements.
These squints are termed as paralytic squints.
What are the indirect signs that a person may be having squint ?
- Tilting or turning of head in a specific way while seeing anything
- Closing or squeezing one eye in bright light
- Not being able to move the eye in a particular direction
- Complaining of double vision (seeing two images of the same object)
- Eye-strain and fatigue while reading for long hours
How do we treat strabismus?
Management of strabismus starts with a detailed eye examination
and good cycloplegic refraction to first treat any underlying eye
diseases and uncorrected refractive errors. Eye exercises may be
required for certain squints especially in cases who have developed amblyopia due to the squint.
Some cases require corrective surgery on the eye muscles to improve alignment and develop binocular vision.
Some paralytic squints may be transient and resolve when the
nerve heals and such individuals may be helped by the use of specialised prism glasses to align the eyes.
When is the right time to treat squint?
Most squints in children need to be assessed and managed as soon
as possible to ensure vision development without any risk of am-
blyopia. This in turn improves the chances of successful treatment
ultimately leading to good stereopsis (3D vision). If treatment was
not received in childhood, most squints can also be corrected later in life and there is no age limit for the same.
Squint & Strabismus
What is strabismus?
Strabismus or squint refers to the condition of misalignment of the
eyes. While one eye looks forward the other eye may turn outwards, inwards, upwards or downwards. Sometimes this misalignment occurs only sometimes, with eyes remaining aligned at the
other times. This is termed as intermittent squint as opposed to
constant squint which is present all the time.
When does strabismus develop?
Squint may be present at birth or few months after birth (known
as a congenital or infantile squint) while some may develop a
squint later (known as a acquired squint).
Why does strabismus develop?
Strabismus can be caused by genetic or hereditary factors but
many a times the exact reason for squint is not known. Acquired
squints may be caused by the eye attempting to overcome a vision
problem, such as shortsightedness or farsightedness or because of
poor vision in one eye causing lazy eye and squint to manifest.
Squint may also be caused due to paralysis or weakness of the
nerves which control the eye muscles responsible for movements.
These squints are termed as paralytic squints.
What are the indirect signs that a person may be having squint ?
- Tilting or turning of head in a specific way while seeing anything
- Closing or squeezing one eye in bright light
- Not being able to move the eye in a particular direction
- Complaining of double vision (seeing two images of the same object)
- Eye-strain and fatigue while reading for long hours
How do we treat strabismus?
Management of strabismus starts with a detailed eye examination
and good cycloplegic refraction to first treat any underlying eye
diseases and uncorrected refractive errors. Eye exercises may be
required for certain squints especially in cases who have developed amblyopia due to the squint.
Some cases require corrective surgery on the eye muscles to improve alignment and develop binocular vision.
Some paralytic squints may be transient and resolve when the
nerve heals and such individuals may be helped by the use of specialised prism glasses to align the eyes.
When is the right time to treat squint?
Most squints in children need to be assessed and managed as soon
as possible to ensure vision development without any risk of am-
blyopia. This in turn improves the chances of successful treatment
ultimately leading to good stereopsis (3D vision). If treatment was
not received in childhood, most squints can also be corrected later in life and there is no age limit for the same.
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