Strabismus

Strabismus or squint is a misalignment of the two eyes caused by one or more improperly functioning eye muscles. That means they don’t work together to look at an object – one may look in or out, or turn up or down. It can happen all the time or only when stressed out or sick.

Normally, each eye focuses on the same spot but with a squint, one eye can be deviated inwards (esotropia) or outwards (exotropia).

Squints do not get better on their own and must always be assessed by an eye specialist (ophthalmologist). Eye exercises do not help squints and failure to seek the help of an ophthalmologist may lead to a permanent visual disability.

Some are born with this condition (known as congenital strabismus) and young children are at the highest risk of loss of vision due to squint. Young children can suppress vision in a weaker eye, which lets them avoid double vision. However, that may lead to “lazy eye”, a condition doctors refer to as amblyopia. Depth perception and peripheral vision may be affected and it can cause eyestrain and headaches.