A squint (strabismus) is when the eyes do not look in the same direction. Learn the types, causes, treatment with glasses, exercises or surgery, and when a sudden squint is an emergency.
A squint, medically called strabismus and known locally as bhenga pan, is when the two eyes do not point in the same direction. One eye may turn inward, outward, up or down, either all the time or only sometimes. It is more than a cosmetic concern: in children it can lead to lazy eye, and a new squint in an adult can be a sign of an underlying health problem.
Types of Squint
- Esotropia: the eye turns inward (towards the nose)
- Exotropia: the eye turns outward
- Hypertropia / hypotropia: the eye turns up or down
- Intermittent squint: appears only when tired, ill or daydreaming
- Accommodative esotropia: an inward turn in children caused by uncorrected long-sightedness; often corrected with glasses alone
Causes
In children
- Uncorrected refractive error, especially hyperopia (long-sightedness)
- Family history of squint
- Premature birth or developmental conditions
- Poor vision in one eye
In adults
- Nerve palsy linked to diabetes or high blood pressure
- Thyroid eye disease
- Head injury
- Rarely, a problem in the brain, which is why a sudden squint with double vision needs urgent medical assessment
Signs to Look For
- Eyes that look misaligned in photos
- Child closing one eye in bright sunlight
- Head tilt or turn
- Double vision in adults
- Eye strain or difficulty with reading
Myth: “Children Grow Out of a Squint”
Newborn babies may have wandering eyes for the first few months. But a squint that continues beyond about 4 to 6 months of age, or appears later, should be checked. Waiting can allow lazy eye to develop.
How Is Squint Treated?
- Glasses: correcting long-sightedness can straighten an accommodative squint completely.
- Treating lazy eye: patching or other therapy to improve vision in the weaker eye.
- Prism lenses: for some adults with double vision.
- Eye exercises: helpful for specific types, such as convergence problems.
- Surgery: performed by an ophthalmologist to realign the eye muscles when needed. We refer you to the right specialist.
Not sure who handles what? Read Optometrist vs Ophthalmologist in Haripur.
What We Check at the Clinic
- Vision in each eye
- Refraction, including in young children
- Cover test and eye movement assessment
- Depth perception
- Referral letter if surgery or medical evaluation is needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a squint be corrected at any age?
Alignment can be improved at any age, often with surgery in adults. Vision recovery from lazy eye is best in young children.
Is squint surgery permanent?
Many patients have a lasting result, but some need further treatment or glasses afterwards. Your surgeon will discuss this.
My adult relative suddenly sees double. What should we do?
Seek medical help the same day. Sudden double vision can be linked to serious conditions.
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Railway Station Road, Central Jail Bazar, Haripur · Open 7 days, 10am – 8:30pm · Free eye camp every Sunday, 10am – 2pm
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Medically reviewed by
Optometrist at Sardar Eye Clinic & Optics, Railway Station Road, Haripur, BS Optometry (Khyber Medical University) and hospital training at HMC Peshawar and Abbottabad Medical Complex, experienced in eye examinations, glasses and contact-lens prescriptions, and children’s eye care. This article is for general information — book an eye test for advice about your own eyes.
