Children With Squints

What Is A Squint?

Squints are caused by difficulty in focusing. They may occur in one or both eyes. As the eyes focus differently, the brain isn’t able to use both eyes to focus together on an object. If one eye is dominant the brain may suppress the image from the weaker eye and control of that eye may be poor.

There are different types of squint depending on the direction followed by the gaze of the affected eye:

• convergent squint where the abnormal eye gazes inwards
• divergent squint where the affected eye looks outwards towards the corner of the eye
• vertical squints where the eye gazes up or down (this is rare)

What Are The Causes Of Squints?

Squints can be genetic and may run in families. Occasionally the nerves controlling the movement of the eyes may become damaged and a paralytic squint may develop.

Who Might Develop A Childhood Squint?

Squints are common in babies up to the age of two to four months. Persistent squints after this age need to be investigated. Children with neuro-developmental delay are at increased risk of squints.

What Are The Symptoms Of Squinting In Children?

Symptoms of squinting might include:-

• eyes looking in different directions
• poor vision
• blurred or double vision in the affected eye
• spontaneously covering or closing the affected eye

How Are Childhood Squints Diagnosed?

Your doctor or optician will be able to help you to diagnose a squint.

Children are routinely screened for visual problems and squint at school entry or earlier.

How Are Childhood Squints Treated?

Corrective glasses may be used to correct the squint. Eye patches can force the brain to use the affected eye. In more extreme cases surgery can tighten the muscles around the eye.