Squint / Strabismus Treatment
Straighten misaligned eyes and restore binocular vision
Overview
Squint (strabismus) is a condition in which the eyes are not properly aligned — one eye may turn inward, outward, upward, or downward while the other looks straight ahead. It affects both children and adults and can cause amblyopia (lazy eye), double vision, and loss of depth perception. Modern treatment options — from glasses and patching to surgery — can effectively correct alignment and restore binocular vision.
Strabismus occurs when the six muscles controlling each eye do not work together in a coordinated way. The brain may suppress the image from the misaligned eye to avoid double vision, leading to amblyopia if untreated in children. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to preserve vision and achieve straight eyes. India has a high prevalence of strabismus, and dedicated squint clinics at major eye hospitals offer comprehensive care.
Signs & Symptoms
- Eyes that are visibly misaligned (one turns in, out, up, or down)
- Double vision (diplopia) — more common in adults
- Closing or covering one eye in bright light
- Head tilting or turning to use both eyes together
- Poor depth perception
- Eye strain and headaches
- Blurred vision in one eye
- Abnormal head posture in children
Causes & Risk Factors
- Muscle imbalance (weakness or overaction of eye muscles)
- Refractive errors — especially hyperopia (long-sightedness)
- Amblyopia (lazy eye)
- Neurological conditions (cerebral palsy, stroke, brain tumour)
- Thyroid eye disease (Graves' disease)
- Trauma or injury to the eye or orbit
- Congenital (present from birth)
- Family history of strabismus
Treatment Options
Spectacles / Refractive Correction
Glasses to correct refractive errors — particularly hyperopia — that are causing or contributing to the squint. In accommodative esotropia, glasses alone can fully correct the inward turn.
Patching Therapy (Amblyopia Treatment)
Covering the stronger eye with a patch to stimulate the weaker (amblyopic) eye. This is often the first step before squint surgery in children with associated amblyopia.
Botulinum Toxin (Botox) Injection
Injection of botulinum toxin into an overacting eye muscle to temporarily weaken it and allow the eyes to realign. Used for small-angle squints and as a diagnostic tool.
Strabismus Surgery (Eye Muscle Surgery)
The most definitive treatment. The surgeon weakens (recession) or strengthens (resection) specific eye muscles to achieve proper alignment. Performed under general anaesthesia in children and local or general anaesthesia in adults. Often achieves excellent cosmetic and functional results.
Prism Glasses
Prism lenses incorporated into spectacles to neutralise double vision in adults with small-angle strabismus or as a temporary measure before surgery.
Vision Therapy (Orthoptic Exercises)
Supervised eye exercises to improve coordination and fusion in selected cases of convergence insufficiency and mild strabismus.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should squint surgery be done in children?
Earlier is better. Surgery is often recommended between 1–4 years of age to allow the best chance of developing normal binocular vision. However, surgery can be performed at any age to improve alignment and appearance.
Will my child need glasses after squint surgery?
Possibly. Surgery corrects the muscle imbalance but does not change the underlying refractive error. Children with hyperopia or astigmatism will still need glasses after surgery.
Can squint recur after surgery?
Yes, squint can recur in some patients, particularly children. Regular follow-up is important. A second surgery may be needed in 10–20% of cases.
Is squint surgery safe for adults?
Yes. Squint surgery is safe and effective in adults. While it may not restore binocular vision lost in childhood, it reliably improves eye alignment, eliminates double vision, and significantly improves quality of life.
Can squint be treated without surgery?
In some cases, yes. Accommodative esotropia (inward squint caused by hyperopia) can be fully corrected with glasses. Botox injections work for small-angle squints. However, most significant squints require surgery for lasting correction.