Squint Surgery

“Advanced Squint Treatment at Gobind Eye Care – Clear Vision, Trusted Care.”

NEVER LET SQUINT BLUR YOUR HAPPINESS

What Happens In Squint

In squint (strabismus), the eyes do not move or focus together in the same direction. One eye looks straight at an object while the other eye turns inward, outward, upward, or downward due to an imbalance in the eye muscles or poor coordination between the eyes and the brain. Because both eyes are not aligned, the brain receives two different images. To avoid double vision, especially in children, the brain may start ignoring the image from the misaligned eye, which can lead to lazy eye (amblyopia) and reduced vision in that eye. Over time, squint can affect depth perception, cause eye strain, headaches, and difficulty focusing, and if left untreated, it may result in permanent visual problems.

Symptoms

Double Vision

Eye strain

Person squinting or straining eyes while trying to focus on a near or distant object.

Difficulty focusing on objects

Frequent headaches

Causes Of Squint

Refractive Errors

The brain struggles to keep both eyes aligned without proper glasses.

Eye Muscle Imbalance

Eye muscles may be weak, tight, or uneven in strength.

Congenital or Hereditary Factors

A family history increases the risk.

Premature Birth or Childhood Illness

Premature babies have a higher risk of squint.
Low birth weight can affect muscle and nerve development.

Types Of Squint Diseases

Congenital Squint

Congenital squint, also called infantile strabismus, appears at birth or within the first six months of life. It usually occurs due to improper development of the eye muscles or the brain’s control over eye movement. In this type, the misalignment is often constant and large, and one eye typically turns inward (esotropia) more commonly than outward. Because the brain receives two conflicting images, it may suppress the image from the deviated eye, which can lead to amblyopia (lazy eye) if not treated early. Early detection is crucial because untreated congenital squint can permanently affect binocular vision and depth perception.

Acquired Squint

Acquired squint develops after the first few months of life or in adulthood. Unlike congenital squint, the brain is already accustomed to using both eyes together. When one eye starts deviating due to causes like uncorrected refractive errors, trauma, infections, neurological disorders, or systemic illness, it can lead to double vision (diplopia), headaches, and difficulty focusing. Acquired squint can appear suddenly or gradually, and in adults, it often signals an underlying neurological or systemic problem, such as stroke, diabetes-related nerve damage, or thyroid eye disease.

Paralytic Squint

Paralytic squint occurs when one or more cranial nerves controlling the eye muscles are damaged or paralyzed. This leads to restricted eye movement in one or more directions. Patients often develop double vision and may adopt an abnormal head posture (tilting or turning the head) to compensate for misalignment. Common causes include trauma, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, brain tumors, or viral infections. Paralytic squint can affect any eye muscle, but the sixth cranial nerve (lateral rectus) is most commonly involved, causing outward deviation.

Non-Paralytic Squint

Non-paralytic squint occurs when the eye muscles themselves are normal, but their coordination and control are faulty. The eyes can move in all directions, but they do not align properly when focusing on an object. This type often occurs in children and may be associated with refractive errors such as long-sightedness or astigmatism. Non-paralytic squint can be intermittent or constant, and symptoms include eye strain, headaches, and poor depth perception. Treatment often involves glasses, orthoptic exercises, or surgery if needed.

Treatments Of Squint Diseases

Orthoptic Exercises

Orthoptic exercises aim to improve eye muscle coordination and strengthen binocular vision. These exercises are especially beneficial in intermittent squint, convergence insufficiency, and latent squint. Performed under professional guidance, they help train the eyes to work together, reduce eye strain, and improve focus. However, exercises alone are not effective for large or constant squints.

Prism Therapy

Prism lenses are incorporated into spectacles to shift the image toward the deviated eye, reducing double vision and discomfort. They are particularly useful in adult-onset and paralytic squint. Prisms can be temporary or permanent, depending on whether the condition improves over time. While prisms do not cure squint, they greatly improve daily comfort and visual function.

Squint & Orthoptics

Squint eye surgery is a treatment for detection & surgical correction of eye problems like squint, Strabismus & Amblyopia

Did You Know?

Squint is not just a cosmetic problem – if left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss, especially in children.

Early treatment gives the best results, ideally before the age of 7–8 years when vision is still developing.

Glasses alone can correct some types of squint, particularly accommodative squint caused by long-sightedness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is squint common in children?

Yes, squint is quite common in children and often appears in early childhood. Early detection and treatment are important to prevent long-term vision problems.

Can squint correct itself over time?

In most cases, squint does not correct on its own. Without proper treatment, it may worsen or lead to complications like lazy eye.

Does squint affect vision?

Yes, untreated squint can lead to reduced vision in one eye, poor depth perception, eye strain, and double vision.

Is squint only a cosmetic problem?

No, squint is a medical condition. While it affects appearance, it can also cause serious visual impairment if left untreated.

Can adults develop squint?

Yes, adults can develop squint due to nerve damage, trauma, stroke, diabetes, thyroid disorders, or eye muscle problems.

Is squint surgery safe?

Yes, squint surgery is generally safe and effective when performed by an experienced eye surgeon. It helps improve eye alignment and appearance.

Will glasses cure squint?

Glasses can completely correct some types of squint, especially accommodative squint caused by refractive errors. Other types may need additional treatment.