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Paediatric Ophthalmology

Squint (Strabismus)

What is Squint (Strabismus)?

Eye misalignment, Usually called strabismus or squint, is a visual impairment. Turning one or both eyes inward, outward, upward, or downward is possible. Issues with depth perception and binocular vision may result from this imbalance.

Symptoms of Squint

  • Misalignment of the Eyes
  • Double Vision
  • Eye Strain
  • Difficulty with Depth Perception
  • Head Tilting or Turning
  • Abnormal Eye Movements

Diagnosis of Squint

  • Comprehensive Eye Exam: Includes assessing visual acuity, eye alignment, and eye movements.
  • Cover Test: The cover test involves covering one eye and observing how the uncovered eye moves.
  • Hirschberg Test: This test uses a light to assess the alignment of the eyes.
  • Prism Test: Used to measure the degree of eye misalignment and assess the ability of the eyes to work together.
  • Ocular Motility Tests: Evaluates the movement of the eyes in different directions to identify any abnormalities in eye muscle function.
  • Refraction Test: Checking for refractive errors (e.g., nearsightedness, farsightedness) helps determine if vision problems contribute to the squint.

Treatment

Treatment options depend on the type and severity of the squint and may include

  • Glasses: To correct refractive errors and improve alignment.
  • Prism lenses: To help align images seen by each eye.
  • Eye exercises: To strengthen eye muscles and improve coordination.
  • Surgery: To adjust the position or strength of the eye muscles, if other treatments are not effective
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Prevention and Management

Early Detection

Early diagnosis and treatment are key to managing squint effectively and preventing long-term visual impairment.

Consistent Treatment

Adhering to prescribed treatments, such as wearing corrective lenses or participating in vision therapy, can improve outcomes and prevent recurrence.

Monitoring for Changes

If you notice any changes in your vision or eye alignment, pay attention to them. If you experience any new symptoms, get expert advice.

Promptly treating squint can greatly enhance visual function and overall well-being. If you suspect that you or your child has strabismus, seek evaluation from an eye care professional to determine the most appropriate treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Squint surgery is often effective in realigning the eyes and improving cosmetic appearance. Success depends on the individual case, and some people may require additional surgeries or treatments.
Early treatment is usually recommended, especially in children, to prevent amblyopia (lazy eye) and improve visual development. However, strabismus can be treated at any age.
Eye exercises may help in some cases, especially if the squint is due to muscle weakness or coordination issues. However, surgery or other treatments may be needed for more severe or persistent cases.