What is a squint?

A squint is when one or both eyes deviate. The squint may be present just some or all of the time, known as a constant or intermittent squint. The medical term for squint is strabismus.

What are the symptoms and signs of a squint?

The eye may appear to turn but the squint may be microscopic. The vision of the deviating eye often fails to develop, and becomes profoundly poor. This is known as strabismic amblyopia. The good eye can mask poor vision of the other eye.

The eyes may turn inwards when the child is focusing on small objects or is tired or unwell. Eyes may turn outwards when looking in the distance or in bright sunlight. Double or blurred vision, blinking, headaches and eyestrain may be symptoms of a squint.

What causes a squint?

Often no cause of a squint is found but causes may include: -

· Refractive error, when the eyes are out of focus.

· Pathology, conditions of the eye or of the body and brain.

How can a squint be found?

You should be referred to an Orthoptist for a vision and Orthoptic assessment. This will determine how well each eye can see using visual acuity tests, and how well the eyes are working together as a pair, known as binocular vision. The Orthoptist will detect, assess and diagnose squint.

How can a squint be treated?

Your Orthoptist will refer you to a Consultant Ophthalmologist for a complete examination of the eyes, and to test for refractive error. If any rare conditions of the eye, body or brain are suspected you will be referred for further investigations and treatment

· Glasses

If significant refractive error is found glasses will be given for full time wear.

The squint may reduce in size with glasses worn.

· Occlusion therapy

Whatever the size of the squint, the deviating eye is usually a lazy eye and requires urgent orthoptic treatment.

· Squint surgery

Your Consultant Ophthalmologist may operate to improve the position and appearance of the eyes.

· Orthoptic exercises

Blurred vision and eyestrain can be improved with exercises.

· Prism therapy

Double vision can be joined using prisms on glasses.