Squint or strabismus is when one eye deviates inwards, outwards, upwards or downwards while the other eye is looking straight ahead. Early consultation with a squint surgeon can make a considerable difference to both visual development and the cosmetic appearance of the eyes, whether the problem occurs in early childhood or develops later in life. Dr. Birendra Jha is a pediatric ophthalmologist with Niramay Indore India Eye Care in Indore India, with specific expertise in strabismus and the examination and treatment of squint in children and adults.

What is Strabismus (Squint)?

Strabismus is a condition in which the two eyes don’t point in the same direction at the same time. The two eyes normally work in a coordinated team, and the brain receives matched images from the two eyes and combines them into a single three-dimensional image. Strabismus is a disorder of the eyes in which the eyes do not work together. One eye may be looking straight ahead, while the other eye is turned in another direction all the time or some of the time.
Squint can lead to amblyopia (lazy eye) if left untreated, particularly in young children. This is where the brain starts to disregard the image from the eye that is not straight, causing the vision in that eye to decrease, and this can become permanent if not treated early.

Causes of Strabismus

Causes of strabismus include: 

• Imbalance of the muscles of the eye or the nerves that control them
• Uncorrected refractive errors, especially high hyperopia in children
• Family history of strabismus
• Premature birth or low birth weight
• Neurological disorders affecting the control of eye movement
• Trauma or injury to the eye or surrounding structures
• Some kids have conditions such as cerebral palsy or Down syndrome
• Sudden onset in adults due to thyroid eye disease, diabetes or nerve palsies

Symptoms to Look For

If parents and adults notice the following, they should consult an eye specialist doctor in Indore:

• Crossed eyes or strabismus of one or both eyes
• Eyes that don’t move together in the same direction
• Often tilting or turning the head to get a better view
• Looking away or covering one eye in bright light
• Double vision (more common in adult onset squint)
• Depth perception issues
• Sudden loss of vision in one eye without any known cause

Diagnosis of Squint

Visual acuity is assessed in detail. Ocular alignment and movement are tested. Refraction using cycloplegic drops, especially in children, is done. The retina is examined to exclude any underlying cause. Early diagnosis is particularly important in children, as the visual system is still developing and early intervention increases the chance of good binocular vision.

Treatment Options for Squint

• Treatment depends on the type, cause, and severity of the deviation, and may include:
• Correction of spectacles – Often the first stage especially if squint is associated with uncorrected refractive error
• Patching therapy — Treatment of coexisting amblyopia (lazy eye) by forcing the weaker eye to strengthen
• Vision therapy exercises – To sometimes improve eye coordination
• Prism glasses — To help control double vision in some adult cases
  Squint (Strabismus) Surgical surgery — A muscle-repositioning surgical procedure that realigns the eyes when non-surgical measures are insufficient

Squint surgery is usually a straightforward day-care procedure and most people recover well. Dr Jha talks about what can realistically be achieved in terms of visual and cosmetic outcomes before going ahead, as the aims may be different in pediatric and adult patients.

Why You Should Choose Niramay For Squint Treatment in Indore

Dr. Birendra Jha, ophthalmologist in Indore with specific experience in Strabismus, has successfully treated squint in patients of all age groups from infants to adults and even some who have had the condition since childhood. Patients often comment on his calm and reassuring manner, especially when dealing with nervous young children and their families.

Schedule Your Eye Examination Today

Dr. Birendra Jha (MS, FPOS) Niramay Indore India Eye Care offers expert personalized eye care; don’t let the symptoms get worse – book an appointment.

 Doctor: Dr. Birendra Jha (MS, FPOS)

 Call/WhatsApp: +91-9977141260 / +91-8602581174

 Email: indoreindiaeyecare1@gmail.com