Strabismus (Squint)

Strabismus is a misalignment of the eyes, where one eye turns in a different direction from the other.

Common symptoms

One eye turning in, out, up, or down, double vision, eye strain, and in children sometimes closing or covering one eye.

Description

Strabismus, commonly called a squint, is when the eyes do not point in the same direction at the same time. It can affect one or both eyes and may be constant or only appear sometimes, such as when tired or unwell.

In children, strabismus can interfere with the development of binocular vision and may lead to amblyopia. In adults, a new squint can cause double vision and may sometimes point to an underlying neurological issue that needs prompt assessment.

Treatment depends on the cause and may include glasses, prism lenses, eye exercises, or surgery on the eye muscles. Early assessment is particularly important for children.