Squint in Children and Adults: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A squint, medically known as strabismus, occurs when the eyes do not align in the same direction. One eye may turn inward, outward, upward, or downward while the other eye looks straight ahead.

What Causes a Squint?

Squint can develop during childhood or adulthood. Possible causes include problems with eye muscle coordination, refractive errors, certain medical conditions, and nerve-related disorders. Some cases occur without an identifiable underlying cause.

What Are the Symptoms?

Visible eye misalignment is the most noticeable sign. Other symptoms may include double vision, difficulty judging distances, head tilting, or closing one eye in bright sunlight. Children may not report symptoms even when an eye is misaligned.

Can Squint Be Treated?

Treatment depends on the patient's age, the cause, and the severity of the condition. Options may include prescription glasses, treatment for amblyopia, selected eye exercises, prisms, or eye muscle surgery.

Early assessment is especially important in children because untreated squint can contribute to amblyopia, a condition in which vision does not develop normally in one eye.

When Should You Seek Medical Advice?

A newly developed squint in an adult requires prompt assessment, particularly when accompanied by double vision, headache, or other neurological symptoms. Sudden double vision requires urgent medical evaluation.

Chroma Eye Hospital in Visakhapatnam can provide guidance on eye alignment concerns and suitable assessment options. Early diagnosis helps determine the most appropriate treatment for children and adults.