Strabismus Squint

A squint, also called strabismus, is where the eyes point in different directions. It's particularly common in young children, but can occur at any age. One of the eyes may turn in, out, up or down while the other eye looks ahead.

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Disorder in which the eyes don't look in exactly the same direction at the same time.

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Causes of strabismus can include nerve injury or dysfunction of the muscles controlling the eye.

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The main symptom is eyes that don't look in exactly the same direction at the same time.
Crossed eyes can usually be corrected with early treatment. Several treatment options exist to align the eyes. They include special eye wear, use of an eye.

Types of Strabismus

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There are different types of strabismus. They can be described by the cause or by the way the eye turns.

 

The following terms describe strabismus by the positions of the eye:

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Hypertropia: when the eye turns upwards
Hypotropia: when the eye turns downwards
Esotropia: when the eye turns inwards
Exotropia: when the eye turns outwards

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An early diagnosis of strabismus will enable more effective treatment. In the past, it was thought that after a “critical period,” strabismus could not be treated.

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While treatment up to the age of 6 years Trusted Source is believed to be the most effective, strabismus surgery can be performed at any time.

 

Signs and symptoms in children

 

The sign of a squint is fairly obvious from an early age. One of the eyes does not look straight ahead. A minor squint may be less noticeable.

 

Infants and newborns may go cross-eyed, especially if they are tired. This does not mean that they have a squint. Parents can check with a doctor.

 

If a child has one eye closed, or tilts their head when looking at things, this could be a sign of double vision, and a possible squint. It is a good idea to see a doctor.

 

Strabismus is normally either present at birth or develops after 3 months of age.

 

Causes

 

Strabismus can be Trusted Source:

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- congenital, meaning a person is born with it
- hereditary, or running in families, suggesting a genetic link
- the result of an injury, illness, or long-sightedness
- due to a lesion on a cranial nerve

 

High amounts of hyperopic refractive error can make the affected eye turn inward, in an attempt to better focus.

Strabismus that results from refractive errors tends to emerge later on, usually around the age of 2 years or older.

Hydrocephalus can also lead to strabismus. Hydrocephalus is a condition in which too much cerebrospinal fluid builds up in and around the brain.

 

Some viral infections, such as measles, can cause strabismus. Other conditions that can cause it include Noonan syndrome and some other genetic conditions.

 

Diagnosis and treatment

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Children and babies should have routine eye checks as they develop. The American Optometric Association recommends starting eye tests at 6 months of age, or earlier if the child has a constant eye turn.

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If there are signs of strabismus, the physician or optician will refer the child to an optometrist or ophthalmologist.