A squint, also known as strabismus, is a condition where the eyes do not align properly. This is when one eye turns inwards, upwards, downwards or outwards, while the other one is focused on one spot.

This may happen all the time or intermittently. Squinting of the eye or eyes occurs due to the muscles that control the movement of the eyes and the eyelid, called the extraocular muscles, are not working together properly.

How is squint diagnosed?

A thorough eye examination and testing through instillation of eye drops and measuring the alignment using prism glasses is mandatory to diagnose the presence and the severity of the squint. This will assist to decide on the manner in which the squint will be treated.

Some squint may be due to the fact that the eyes have poor vision and are using too much power to focus, so vision testing using age appropriate charts and pictures is a prerequisite so that if assistance with glasses is needed then the client will be prescribed spectacles.

How is strabismus treated?

Strabismus surgery is recommended to improve the appearance of the eyes and in some cases, to correct double vision or try to develop the co-ordination of the two eyes to work together.

Strabismus surgery involves the ophthalmologist tightening or moving one or more eye muscles outside the eye in order to change the eye’s position. He will then attach the muscles close to the front of the eye, under the clear surface layer of the eye, called the conjunctiva. This surgery is done without removing the eye from its socket. The muscles are attached to their new position with stitches.