Squint (Strabismus)
A misalignment of the eyes that can affect appearance, depth perception, and -- in children -- normal visual development if left untreated.
Book a Squint EvaluationNoticing your child's eyes don't line up?
One eye turning inward, outward, up, or down -- even occasionally -- along with head tilting to see better, are the classic early signs. The earlier this is evaluated, the better the long-term visual outcome.
Noticing double vision or new misalignment as an adult?
Squint can also develop or persist into adulthood, sometimes alongside double vision or eye strain. This is evaluated and treated differently than childhood squint, but it's just as worth addressing.
What Is It?
Squint, medically known as strabismus, occurs when the two eyes don’t align in the same direction at the same time — one eye may turn inward, outward, upward, or downward while the other looks straight ahead. This can be constant or intermittent, and may affect one eye consistently or alternate between both.
In children, the most significant concern with untreated squint is amblyopia, since the developing brain can learn to favor the straighter eye and suppress input from the misaligned one. In adults, squint is more often associated with double vision and depth perception difficulty rather than the risk of permanent vision loss, since visual development is already complete — but it remains very treatable at any age.
Risk Factors
- Family history of squint
- Significant uncorrected refractive error (especially in children)
- Premature birth
- Certain neurological or developmental conditions
- Other underlying eye conditions affecting one eye more than the other
Symptoms
- One or both eyes turning inward, outward, up, or down
- Head tilting or turning to see better
- Double vision
- Reduced depth perception
- Eye strain, fatigue, or headaches with near work
Treatment
- Corrective Glasses: Often the first step, especially when squint is related to uncorrected refractive error.
- Eye Patching / Vision Therapy: Used alongside glasses to strengthen a weaker eye, particularly important in children to prevent amblyopia.
- Strabismus Surgery: Recommended when muscle realignment is needed for cases not adequately corrected with glasses or therapy alone.
Related Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can squint be corrected in adults?
Does squint always require surgery?
Book a Squint Evaluation
Schedule a comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Rajeswari. Choose your preferred time and secure your slot instantly.
Open Booking Calendar