When we think of squint (strabismus), we often associate it with children. However, adults can also develop squint due to various reasons, ranging from eye muscle weakness to nerve problems or underlying medical conditions. The good news is — with modern advancements in ophthalmology, squint in adults is treatable and, in most cases, completely curable.
At Gobind Nursing Home, under the expert care of Dr. Gulshan Mehta, a leading Squint Specialist, adults suffering from eye misalignment receive advanced diagnosis and personalized treatment designed to restore proper eye alignment, eliminate double vision, and enhance both appearance and confidence.
This blog provides expert insights into the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for adult squint, and answers one of the most common questions — is squint curable in adults?
Understanding Squint (Strabismus) in Adults
Squint refers to the misalignment of the eyes, where both eyes fail to look at the same direction at the same time. One eye may look straight, while the other turns inward (esotropia), outward (exotropia), upward (hypertropia), or downward (hypotropia).
In adults, squint can develop suddenly or gradually, and unlike children, adults often experience double vision (diplopia) because their brain cannot ignore the image from the misaligned eye. This can cause significant discomfort and affect daily activities such as reading, driving, or working.
Dr. Gulshan Mehta explains that adult squint not only affects visual function but can also impact a person’s psychological and social well-being. Many adults with long-standing squint feel self-conscious or avoid eye contact, which can influence their confidence and communication. Thankfully, with proper evaluation and modern treatment techniques, most adults can regain normal alignment and vision comfort.
Common Causes of Squint in Adults
Adult squint can occur for a variety of reasons. In some cases, it may be a continuation of untreated childhood squint, while in others, it develops later in life due to new health issues.
Here are the most common causes of squint in adults:
- Residual or Untreated Childhood Squint: Some people who had squint in childhood may experience recurrence or worsening as adults if it was not completely corrected.
- Nerve Palsy: Damage to the cranial nerves controlling eye muscles can lead to eye misalignment. This may result from diabetes, hypertension, trauma, or stroke.
- Thyroid Eye Disease: Overactivity of thyroid glands (as in Graves’ disease) can cause swelling and stiffness of eye muscles, leading to squint.
- Eye or Head Injury: Accidents or trauma can damage the muscles or nerves that control eye movement.
- Myasthenia Gravis: This autoimmune condition causes muscle weakness, including the eye muscles.
- Refractive Errors: Uncorrected vision issues like long-sightedness can cause strain on the eyes, resulting in intermittent squint.
Understanding the root cause is crucial for planning effective treatment. At Gobind Nursing Home, we conduct thorough diagnostic evaluations before recommending any therapy.
Symptoms of Squint in Adults
Squint in adults can be easily noticed because the eyes appear misaligned. However, beyond cosmetic appearance, there are several functional symptoms that can affect vision and comfort.
Common symptoms include:
- Double vision (diplopia)
- Eye strain or fatigue, especially during reading or screen work
- Headaches due to eye misalignment
- Difficulty focusing on objects
- Tilting or turning of the head to see clearly
- Poor depth perception
- Cosmetic concern due to visible eye turn
Unlike children, adults cannot suppress the image from one eye easily, which makes symptoms like double vision more prominent and uncomfortable. Therefore, early consultation with a Squint Specialist is essential for proper management. - Diagnosis of Adult Squint
- Diagnosing squint in adults involves a detailed eye examination to determine the type, degree, and cause of misalignment. At Gobind Eye Care Centre in Hisar, the diagnostic process includes:
- Vision testing for each eye individually
- Refraction assessment to check for glasses prescription
- Eye movement and alignment tests to assess coordination
- Prism cover test to measure the deviation angle
- Neurological evaluation (if needed) to rule out nerve-related causes
- Imaging (CT/MRI) in specific cases to investigate underlying conditions
- Dr. Gulshan Mehta, with his expertise in squint and ocular motility disorders, ensures an accurate diagnosis through advanced diagnostic techniques, enabling a targeted treatment plan for each patient.
Is Squint in Adults Curable?
The simple answer is yes, squint in adults is curable — in most cases, completely. Treatment not only improves the cosmetic appearance but also helps restore binocular vision, relieve double vision, and enhance depth perception.
With advancements in eye care, adult squint treatment today includes a range of non-surgical and surgical options tailored to individual needs. Dr. Gulshan Mehta emphasizes that age is not a barrier for squint correction. Whether the condition has been present since childhood or developed recently, adults can benefit greatly from modern squint management methods.
Treatment Options for Squint in Adults
Treatment depends on the underlying cause, severity, and symptoms. The main goal is to align the eyes, eliminate double vision, and improve coordination.
1. Spectacles or Prism Glasses
If the squint is due to refractive errors or minor alignment issues, special glasses or prisms can help align the eyes and reduce double vision.
2. Eye Exercises (Orthoptics)
Certain exercises are designed to strengthen weak eye muscles and improve coordination. These are particularly effective in mild or intermittent squint.
3. Squint Surgery
For moderate to severe squint, surgery is the most effective solution. During squint surgery, the eye muscles are repositioned to restore proper alignment.
At Gobind Eye Care Centre, Dr. Gulshan Mehta performs advanced squint surgeries using modern microsurgical techniques and high-precision instruments. The procedure is safe, typically done under local or general anesthesia, and recovery is quick. Most patients notice visible improvement immediately after surgery.
4. Post-Surgical Vision Therapy
After surgery, some patients may require exercises or therapy to fine-tune coordination and maintain alignment.
Recovery and Results After Squint Treatment
Recovery from adult squint surgery is generally smooth. Mild redness or swelling may persist for a few days, but normal activities can usually be resumed within a week.
The results of squint treatment are both functional and aesthetic — patients not only regain eye coordination but also experience a boost in self-confidence. Many adults report feeling more comfortable in social and professional settings after their eyes are properly aligned.
Benefits of Treating Squint in Adults
Correcting squint offers several important benefits beyond just cosmetic improvement:
- Relief from double vision and eye strain
- Improved coordination and depth perception
- Better concentration and reading comfort
- Enhanced appearance and self-esteem
- Reduction in head tilts or abnormal posture caused by squint
Expert Squint Care at Gobind Nursing Home
Gobind Nursing Home is a trusted name in comprehensive eye care, offering specialized diagnosis and treatment for squint in both children and adults. Equipped with modern technology and advanced surgical facilities, the hospital provides accurate assessments and effective management for all types of squint.
Under the leadership of Dr. Gulshan Mehta, an experienced Squint and Eye Specialist, patients receive compassionate care tailored to their specific condition. His expertise in both surgical and non-surgical treatments ensures that every patient achieves the best possible visual and cosmetic results.
With years of experience and a patient-centered approach, Dr. Mehta has successfully treated numerous adult squint cases, helping patients regain natural alignment and renewed confidence.
Conclusion
To answer the question — Yes, squint in adults is curable. With proper diagnosis, modern medical techniques, and the expertise of a specialist, adults can achieve excellent visual and cosmetic outcomes.
If you notice symptoms such as double vision, eye misalignment, or difficulty focusing, do not ignore them. Early consultation can make a significant difference.
Read More