Squint/Strabismus/Cross eye
Definition and facts
- Strabismus is a visual problem in which the eyes are not aligned properly and point in different directions. One eye may look straight ahead, while the other eye turns inward (Esotropia-Cross eyed), outward (Exotropia), upward (Hypertropia), or downward (Hypotropia)
- Strabismus is a common condition among children but can also occur later in life.
- May run in families
- Early diagnosis and treatment improve chances of having straight eyes along with developing good vision and depth perception
- Kids and teens (and even many adults with strabismus) benefit from treatment.
- Social and psychological impact- aligned eyes are important for a healthy self-image in kids and adults. It also allows improvement in quality of vision especially in kids.
Strabismus is associated with
- Underlying unnoticed Refractive error and Amblyopia
- Underlying un diagnosed Eye disease- Cataract, Retinoblastoma, ROP etc.
- Neurological problem
Treatment includes include one or multiple options from the following list
- Correction of Refractive error
- Eye patching
- Eye Drops
- Eye muscle surgery
- Treatment of underlying eye disease
Written by
M.S. (Ophth), FLVPEI (Cornea & Anterior Segment). Medical Director, CSR Eye Hospital, Hyderabad, with 29+ years of experience in cataract, cornea and refractive surgery.
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