A squint, also known as strabismus, is a condition where the eyes do not align properly when looking at an object. Instead of both eyes focusing on the same point, one eye may turn in, out, up, or down while the other eye looks straight ahead. This misalignment can occur intermittently or constantly and affects vision and depth perception. Squints are typically caused by an imbalance in the muscles controlling eye movements or nerve signals to the eyes. Other causes include genetic factors, refractive errors like nearsightedness or farsightedness, and health conditions such as cerebral palsy or Down syndrome. Early childhood is a common time for squints to develop, but they can also occur in adults due to injury, stroke, or other eye conditions.
Treatment for squints depends on the underlying cause and severity. Common approaches include corrective glasses or contact lenses for refractive errors, vision therapy to improve coordination and focusing, and using an eye patch on the stronger eye to encourage the weaker eye to work harder. In more severe cases, surgery may be required to adjust the position or length of the eye muscles to correct alignment. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent long-term vision problems, such as amblyopia (lazy eye) or double vision. Regular eye check-ups and prompt medical attention can help manage squints effectively, improving both visual function and appearance.
