Squint (Strabismus)
A squint (strabismus) refers to the misalignment of the eyes, typically causing one eye to turn inward or outward. Less commonly, an eye may turn upward or downward.
The most common types of squint are:
Convergent squint (esotropia): one eye turns inwards, towards the nose
Divergent squint (exotropia): one eye turns outwards, away from the nose.
Hypertropia: one eye higher than the other.
Hypotropia: one eye lower than the other.
Squint can be constant or intermittent.
Intermittent divergent squint is the most common types among Hong Kong population.
What Causes a Squint?
Squint can be congenital or acquired. Acquired causes include diseases of nervous system, accidents, or uncorrected long-sightedness or short-sightedness. In many cases, the cause is unknown. However, there may be a family history of squints
Treatment for Squint
Treatment for squint may include:
Glasses: Many childhood squints are related to uncorrected refractive error. Glasses may help to correct the squint or reduce its severity.
Prisms: Prisms may help to resolve the symptoms of double vision.
Patching: Patching may be necessary during childhood to improve the vision in the squinting eye, though it does not cure the squint.
Orthoptic exercises: Orthoptic exercises may help to improve the control in some types of squints and enhance binocular vision.
Surgery: Surgery performed by an ophthalmologist may be required.
Some patients need a combination of these treatments.