Squint is a misalignment of the eyes such that the right and left eyes are pointed in different directions. Though it is a common condition among younger populations, affecting 2 to 4 percent of children, it may also appear later in life. The misalignment may be permanent or it may be temporary, occurring occasionally. The deviation may be in any direction: inward, outward, upward or downward.
Parents often get the false impression that a child may “outgrow” the problem. If a child’s two eyes are pointed in different directions, examination by an ophthalmologist is necessary to determine the cause and to begin treatment.
The goals of treatment are to preserve vision, straighten the eyes, and restore binocular vision. Treatment of squint depends upon the exact cause of the misaligned eyes. It can be directed towards unbalanced muscles or other conditions which are causing the eyes to point in two different directions. 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.
Some squints are caused by refractive errors. In such cases, squint can be corrected by prescribing proper spectacles.
