Squint (Cross Eye) - Solis Eye Care Hospital

Squint (strabismus)

Condition in which a person cannot align both eyes simultaneously. An eye can in, out, up or down. When the eye turns in, it is called - esotropia, when eyes turn out, it is called - exotropia, when the eye turns down, it is called a hypotropia and when the eye turns up, it is called - hypertropia.

Causes

·        Weakened muscles or abnormal nerve impulses in the eye muscles.

·        Heritage.

·        Blurred or deficient vision, for any reason, such as cataracts, refractive errors, etc.

·        Strabismus can accompany some systemic illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis or thyroid disorders.

What will happen if the child has cross eyes?

Strabismus can lead to a "lazy eye" or amblyopia, in which the vision in the eye squinting decreases. Amblyopia is best treated at a younger age. Therefore, it is best to consult your ophthalmologist as soon as you notice any abnormality in the eyes.

There may be a faulty depth perception.

Psychological development and inadequate personality due to low self-esteem.

Diagnosis

The evaluation for suspected strabismus usually includes a medical and visual history and a test for visual acuity (how well one sees with each eye). The diagnosis of strabismus is best made with a careful eye examination with the ophthalmologist.

The most common visible sign of Strabismus is that the eye does not appear straight. Sometimes, a child will squint or close one eye in bright sunlight. Faulty depth perception may be present. They may tilt their heads in a specific direction in order to use their eyes together.

It is important to consult an Ophthalmologist if your child displays these symptoms to determine the appropriate treatment.

Squint Prevention

Children should be monitored closely during infancy and the preschool years to detect potential eye problems, particularly if a relative has strabismus. Early detection, accurate diagnosis, and proper treatment can cure strabismus. It is recommended that all children be screened for eye health before age 6 months and again between 3 and 5 years of age by a pediatrician or an ophthalmologist.

Routine vision screening for young children includes testing for strabismus, usually using the light reflex for infants, and cover testing for preschool-age children.

Squint Treatment

The primary goal of treatment is to preserve or restore as much visual function as possible.

Treatment of squint varies depending on the exact type and cause of the strabismus. After a complete eye examination, including a detailed study of the inner parts of the eye, an ophthalmologist can recommend appropriate optical, medical or surgical therapy.

Nearly 40% patients with squint can be cured by spectacles and/or eye exercises. However, a large majority require surgical treatment. The squint operations are very safe and should be done at the earliest. Generally, if the eyes are not aligned for more than 6 months in a child, irreversible damage to the three-dimensional vision occurs, which is only partly reversible. Squint surgeries are performed successfully even in children as young as 4 months.