Squint
A squint, also called strabismus, is where the eyes point in different directions. It's particularly common in young children, but can occur at any age. One of the eyes may turn in, out, up or down while the other eye looks ahead.
What About Childhood Squint?
If the squint is suspected, then it is necessary to evaluate the baby at the earliest. Sometimes a “Pseudo Squint” may be present due to a wide gap between the eyes, flat nose bridge where the eyes do appear misaligned but do not actually have the squint. The causes are:
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1.Congenital Squint- These children are born with a squint though it may not be obvious for few weeks. A strong family history could be present. In all children, the vision and need for spectacles have to be assessed.
2.Long Sightedness or Hypermetropia- As the child cannot focus well, he has to put extra effort to focus, which can cause a double vision. To avoid this, the image in one eye is suppressed unconsciously and in turn, the child avoids using that eye. If left untreated not only does the eye deviate but also becomes a lazy Eye (Amblyopia).
3.Childhood illnesses- Squint may also develop because of viral fever, measles, meningitis etc.
4.Injury to the nerves
5.Hereditary
One eye or both eyes point to different directions.
Children can have defective vision in one eye or both eyes.
Children with squint, sometimes close one eye in bright sunlight.
Children sometimes experience double vision or confusion in visualization.
