Squint eye treatment depends on why the eyes are misaligned and whether the problem affects vision. Squint, also called strabismus, may be treated with glasses, vision therapy, patching or surgery. Children should be assessed early because amblyopia, or lazy eye, develops when vision in one eye does not develop normally.
What Is Squint and Why Does It Need Treatment?
Squint, or strabismus, is a misalignment of the eyes. The eyes do not point in the same direction at the same time. One eye may turn inward, outward, upward or downward.
Squint eye treatment is planned after an eye examination identifies the type and cause of the misalignment. Treatment is not the same for every child or adult.
Children rarely complain about poor vision because they assume everyone sees as they do. Detection often depends on adults noticing changes in behaviour or visual habits.
Signs that a child needs an eye examination include:
- Holding books or screens very close
- Sitting close to the television
- Squinting or closing one eye
- Tilting the head
- Frequent eye rubbing
- Headaches
- Falling performance at school
You can also review these signs you need glasses when deciding whether your child needs an eye examination.
Squint Eye Treatment for Children
Early assessment is especially important in children. Amblyopia, commonly called lazy eye, is reduced vision in an eye that has not developed normally.
Treatment for amblyopia is most effective when started early in childhood. Screening before school age therefore matters.
Squint eye treatment for a child may include glasses, vision therapy, patching or surgery. The appropriate option is selected after assessing the child’s eyes and the reason for the misalignment.
A squint in a child should not simply be watched at home with the expectation that it will disappear. It should be assessed by an eye specialist.
Childhood myopia is also increasing. Recognised measures to slow its progression include increased outdoor time, low dose atropine therapy and myopia control spectacle or contact lenses.
Other childhood eye concerns
Retinopathy of prematurity screening applies to babies born prematurely or with low birth weight. It follows a time critical schedule, so parents should follow the screening plan advised for the baby.
Sudden onset squint, a white reflex in the pupil, or a rapid change in a child’s vision needs prompt specialist assessment.
Squint Eye Treatment for Adults
Adults can also develop or continue to have a squint. Squint eye treatment starts with an examination to understand the eye alignment and its effect on vision.
The treatment options include glasses, vision therapy, patching or surgery. The choice depends on the type and cause of the squint.
If you notice a new change in eye alignment, do not assume it is simply a long-standing squint. Sudden onset squint needs prompt specialist assessment.
Adults should also seek an eye examination if they experience changes in vision alongside an eye alignment problem. An ophthalmologist is a medical eye specialist who can assess eye health and provide or coordinate treatment. An optometrist primarily examines vision and prescribes spectacles or contact lenses.
What Does Strabismus Treatment Involve?
Strabismus treatment begins with an eye assessment. The specialist looks at how the eyes align and how vision is developing or functioning.
For children, this assessment is particularly important because reduced vision in one eye can lead to amblyopia. Starting treatment early gives the developing visual system the best opportunity to respond.
Depending on the clinical findings, squint eye treatment may involve:
Glasses
Glasses are one of the treatment options for squint. They can also address refractive errors that affect how clearly the child or adult sees.
Vision therapy
Vision therapy is another treatment option for selected cases. It is used to work on visual function and coordination.
Patching
Patching may be used where reduced vision in one eye needs treatment. The purpose is to encourage use of the affected eye.
Surgery
Some forms of squint require surgery. Surgery is considered after assessing the type and cause of the eye misalignment.
The goal of squint eye treatment is to address the underlying visual and alignment problem identified during examination.
Choosing a Squint Specialist in Punjab
For families in Punjab, access to a specialist is an important part of arranging squint eye treatment.
Thind Eye Hospital is a multi superspeciality eye hospital with branches in Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Hoshiarpur and Pathankot. The hospital was founded in 1991 by Dr. Jaswant Singh Thind, Chairman cum Managing Director.
The hospital also conducts school eye health checkup programmes for children and community eye care camps for rural populations.
For children and adults seeking squint eye treatment, Dr. Saurabh Mittal is a Cornea, Squint and Paediatric Ophthalmologist. He is fellowship trained in cornea and paediatric ophthalmology at PGI Chandigarh. He consults in Jalandhar daily, Hoshiarpur on Tuesday and also at Pathankot.
You can learn more about Dr. Saurabh Mittal and his speciality before arranging your visit.
For additional information about children’s eye health, the American Academy of Ophthalmology provides patient-focused eye care resources. The National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment also provides information on eye health services in India.
When Should You Book an Eye Examination?
Do not wait for a child to complain about poor vision. Children may not realise that their vision differs from other people’s vision.
Arrange an examination if you notice frequent head tilting, closing one eye, sitting very close to screens, holding books close, headaches or a decline in school performance.
A sudden squint, white pupil reflex or rapid change in vision requires prompt specialist assessment.
For squint eye treatment, you can book an appointment with the appropriate eye specialist. Early assessment is particularly relevant for children because amblyopia treatment is most effective when started early.
If you are also concerned about your child’s spectacle power, review the signs you need glasses before your consultation.
What to do next
If you or your child has an eye alignment problem, arrange an examination rather than relying on observation at home. For squint eye treatment in Punjab, Thind Eye Hospital provides access to Dr. Saurabh Mittal at its Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur and Pathankot locations.
Jalandhar branch: 701, Mall Road, Model Town, Jalandhar 144001, Punjab
Phone: +91 88720 70022
Book an appointment to discuss your symptoms and treatment options.
This article provides general information about eye health and eye care services. It is not medical advice and does not replace a consultation with a qualified ophthalmologist. Symptoms vary between individuals. Please consult a licensed eye specialist before acting on any information here.
