Our eyes are meant to work together to focus on the same object at the same time. However, when both eyes do not align properly and point in different directions, the condition is known as Squint, medically termed Strabismus. One eye may look straight ahead, while the other may turn inward, outward, upward, or downward.
Squint is more common in children, but it can also develop in adults due to various medical or neurological causes. Early diagnosis and treatment are extremely important to prevent long-term vision problems such as lazy eye (Amblyopia) or double vision (Diplopia).
At Gobind Nursing Home, under the expert care of Dr. Gulshan Mehta, Squint Specialist and Eye Surgeon, advanced diagnostic and surgical treatments are provided to restore proper eye alignment and clear vision.
Understanding Squint (Strabismus)
Squint is a visual condition where the eyes fail to work in a coordinated manner. Normally, both eyes move together and focus on the same point. In Squint, this coordination is lost.
Depending on the direction of the eye turn, Squint can be categorized into:
● Esotropia: One eye turns inward (commonly called “cross-eye”).
● Exotropia: One eye turns outward (“wall-eye”).
● Hypertropia: One eye turns upward.
● Hypotropia: One eye turns downward.
This misalignment can be constant or appear only sometimes, such as when the person is tired or ill.
Causes of Squint
There are multiple reasons why a person may develop a squint. It can be due to problems with the eye muscles, the nerves controlling those muscles, or the part of the brain that directs eye movements. Below are the most common causes of Squint:
1. Genetic or Family History
Children with a family history of squint or other eye conditions are more likely to develop it.
2. Refractive Errors
Uncorrected vision problems like long-sightedness (hypermetropia) can cause the eye to strain, leading to inward turning of the eyes, especially in children.
3. Weak Eye Muscles or Nerve Problems
If the muscles that control eye movement or their nerve signals don’t function properly, the eyes may lose alignment.
4. Eye or Brain Injury
In adults, trauma, head injury, or stroke can affect the nerves controlling eye movement and lead to squint.
5. Medical or Neurological Conditions
Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid eye disease, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, or brain tumours can cause squint.
6. Poor Vision in One Eye
When one eye has significantly poorer vision, it may start to drift out of alignment due to lack of coordination.
Symptoms of Squint
Symptoms of squint can vary depending on the severity and whether one or both eyes are affected.
Common signs and symptoms of squint include:
● Misaligned eyes (one eye appears to turn in, out, up, or down)
● Double vision
● Tilting or turning of the head to focus
● Difficulty judging distances
● Eye strain or discomfort
● Closing one eye in bright sunlight
● Poor depth perception
● Blurred vision
● In children, a wandering eye or no awareness of misalignment (due to brain suppression of one eye)
In children, squint may go unnoticed initially because they often don’t complain of double vision. That’s why regular eye check-ups are crucial for early detection and management.
Complications of Untreated Squint
If left untreated, squint can lead to serious vision problems. The most common complication is Amblyopia (lazy eye), where the brain starts ignoring the image from the misaligned eye. This can cause permanent vision loss in that eye if not corrected early.
Other complications include:
● Loss of binocular vision: The ability of both eyes to work together.
● Double vision (diplopia): Especially in adults with sudden squint.
● Aesthetic concerns: Misalignment can affect a person’s confidence and social interactions.
Early detection and timely treatment by a Squint Specialist like Dr. Gulshan Mehta at Gobind Nursing Home can help prevent these issues and restore normal visual function.
Diagnosis of Squint
A detailed eye examination is required to diagnose squint. At Gobind Nursing Home, the diagnostic process includes:
● Vision testing for both eyes separately
● Refraction test to detect the power
● Eye movement tests to assess muscle coordination
● Cover test to measure eye alignment
● Retinal examination to rule out other causes
For children, special tests may be performed in a playful, child-friendly manner to accurately detect the problem.
Treatment Options for Squint (Strabismus)
Treatment for squint depends on its type, cause, and severity. The main goal is to align both eyes properly and restore binocular vision.
1. Glasses (Spectacles)
If squint is due to a refractive error, correcting vision with glasses can help align the eyes, especially in accommodative esotropia.
2. Eye Exercises
Certain orthoptic exercises can help improve coordination between eye muscles and are often used in mild cases or post-surgery rehabilitation.
3. Patching (Occlusion Therapy)
In children, if one eye has reduced vision (Amblyopia), the stronger eye may be covered for a few hours daily to force the weaker eye to work and improve vision.
4. Prism Glasses
Prisms are used in glasses to help reduce double vision by adjusting the direction of light entering the eyes.
5. Botulinum Toxin (Botox) Injections
In some cases, Botox is injected into the eye muscle to temporarily weaken it and allow the eyes to realign. This is a non-surgical alternative for selected patients.
6. Squint Surgery
When other treatments do not correct the alignment, surgery is recommended. Squint surgery involves adjusting the position or length of the eye muscles to bring the eyes into proper alignment.
At Gobind Nursing Home, Dr. Gulshan Mehta, a highly experienced Squint Specialist, performs advanced squint surgeries using modern techniques for both children and adults. The surgery is safe, effective, and can significantly improve both appearance and visual function.
Post-Surgery Care
After surgery, patients may need to use eye drops to prevent infection or inflammation. Follow-up visits are essential to monitor healing and eye alignment. In some cases, vision therapy or exercises may be advised to enhance coordination.
Children often adapt very well after squint correction surgery, and early treatment provides the best results.
Squint Treatment at Gobind Nursing Home
At Gobind Nursing Home, comprehensive eye care is provided under one roof. The hospital is equipped with modern diagnostic tools and advanced surgical technology for precise and safe treatment.
Dr. Gulshan Mehta, an experienced Squint and Eye Specialist, is known for his expertise in diagnosing and treating complex cases of squint and other pediatric eye disorders. His patient-friendly approach ensures comfort and confidence throughout the treatment journey.
When Should You Visit a Doctor?
If you notice your child’s eyes are not aligned properly or you experience sudden double vision, seek medical attention immediately. Early intervention not only improves vision but also prevents permanent visual damage.
Signs you should not ignore:
● One eye turning in/out frequently
● Complaints of blurred or double vision
● Frequent blinking or head tilting
● Poor hand-eye coordination in children
Conclusion
Squint (strabismus) is a treatable eye condition, but timely diagnosis and proper care are crucial. With modern medical advancements and expert treatment, most patients achieve excellent results.
If you or your child shows any signs of squint, consult a specialist without delay. At Gobind Nursing Home, Dr. Gulshan Mehta provides personalised care and effective treatment options to help patients regain proper eye alignment and confidence in their vision.