A squint eye is a condition where the eyes do not align properly. While one eye looks straight ahead, the other may turn inwards, outwards, upwards or downwards. It can occur occasionally or be constant and affects both children and adults. Though squint eyes are often associated with cosmetic concerns, they are far more than skin-deep. When the eyes don’t focus together, it can impair depth perception and lead to double vision or even permanent vision loss in the weaker eye, a condition called amblyopia or lazy eye. The best eye hospitals in India offer comprehensive care, advanced surgical procedures and cutting-edge research.
Causes of Squint
Squint can develop for a variety of reasons:
- Congenital: Present at birth, often without an identifiable cause.
- Refractive errors: Uncorrected long-sightedness can lead to eye strain and inward turning of one eye.
- Neurological issues: Affecting the nerves of brain centres controlling eye movement.
- Trauma or injury: Damage to eye muscles or nerves can effectively misalign eyes.
- Genetic factors: Family history can increase the likelihood.
Spotting the Signs: Symptoms of Squint Eyes
The symptoms of squint eyes may not always be obvious, especially in young children. Watch out for:
- Misaligned the eyes
- Eyes that don’t move together
- Head tilting or turning to focus
- Frequent squinting or closing one eye, especially in bright light.
- Double vision in older children or adults
- Difficulty in reading or focusing.
Why Early Detection Matters
In children, the brain is incredibly adaptive. If one eye is misaligned, the brain may ignore its input to avoid double vision, leading to amblyopia. Over time, this can cause irreversible vision loss in the ignored eye. Early intervention is key to preserving both vision and eye coordination. The best eye hospital in India is recognised for their excellence in treating a wide range of eye conditions, including squint.
Squint Eye Surgery: Releasing Vision
While mild quints may be managed with glasses or vision therapy, many cases, especially long-standing or severe ones, require surgery to realign the eye muscles. Squint eye surgery in Ludhiana performs in both children and adults.
How The Surgery Works
Squint surgery involves adjusting the tension of the eye muscles to bring the eye into proper alignment. This can mean:
- Strengthening weak muscles (shortening them)
- Weakening overactive ones (repositioning them)
This surgery is typically quick, done under general anaesthesia, and most patients go home the same day. It may take a few weeks for the eyes to fully settle into their new position.
The Doctor Recommended Treatment Options For Squint Eyes
Treating squint eyes in Ludhiana involves more than just cosmetic correction. The goal is to align the eyes. Restore binocular vision and prevent or treat amblyopia. Squint eye surgery in Ludhiana provides specialised services for squint correction and utilising advanced treatment. Doctors usually take a step-by-step approach, starting with the least invasive methods and moving toward surgery if needed.
- Corrective glasses
It is recommended for refractive squints, especially for accommodative esotropia in children. If the squint is caused by uncorrected long-sightedness, wearing prescription glasses can often straighten the eyes by reducing eye strain. In some cases, bifocal lenses are used for near and distant focus.
- Eye patching
It is recommended for amblyopia caused by squint. The stronger eye is covered with a patch to stimulate the weaker eye. This helps develop the visual strength in the squinting eye and trains the brain to use it properly.
- Vision therapy
It is recommended for the mionsquints, intermittent strabismus or post-surgical support. These are exercises prescribed by an orthoptist to improve coordination, focus and eye muscle strength. Often used in combination with other treatments.
Post-surgery expectations
- Temporary redness or discomfort is normal
- Vision therapy may be recommended post-surgery
- In some cases, a second surgery might be needed for fine-tuning
Conclusion
Squint eyes are more than just a misalignment; they’re a signal that the visual system needs attention. Left untreated, a squint can lead to long-term vision problems like amblyopia, double vision or poor depth perception. However, with early diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan, from glasses and patching to therapy and surgery, most people can achieve excellent results.
