Squint and Pediatric Ophthalmology

Squint (Strabismus)

Squint, medically known as strabismus, is a condition in which the eyes are misaligned and do not look at the same object simultaneously. The misalignment may be constant or intermittent and can involve one or both eyes. If left untreated, squint can affect vision development, depth perception, and eye coordination.

Types of Squint

• Esotropia: Inward turning of one or both eyes

• Exotropia: Outward turning of one or both eyes

• Hypertropia / Hypotropia: Vertical misalignment where one eye is positioned higher or lower than the other

Causes and Symptoms

Squint in children may occur due to several factors, including:

• Imbalance or weakness of eye muscles

• Genetic or family history

• Uncorrected refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism

• Certain neurological conditions

Common symptoms include:

• Noticeably misaligned eyes

• Double vision

• Poor depth perception

• Eye strain or frequent headaches

• Abnormal head posture or tilting

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis involves a thorough eye examination to assess visual acuity, eye alignment, and muscle coordination. Treatment depends on the type and severity of squint and may include:

• Prescription Glasses: To correct refractive errors

• Orthoptic Exercises: Eye exercises to improve muscle coordination

• Eye Patching (Occlusion Therapy): To strengthen the weaker eye

• Surgical Correction: To realign eye muscles when necessary

Pediatric Ophthalmology

Pediatric ophthalmology focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions affecting infants, children, and adolescents. A gentle, child-friendly approach combined with specialized expertise is essential for successful outcomes in pediatric eye care.

Common Pediatric Eye Conditions

• Amblyopia (Lazy Eye): Reduced vision due to abnormal visual development

• Congenital Cataracts: Lens clouding present at birth

• Refractive Errors: Near-sightedness, far-sightedness, or astigmatism

• Blocked Tear Ducts: Causing excessive tearing or discharge

• Childhood Glaucoma: A rare but serious condition involving increased eye pressure

Conclusion

At the Eye Care and Research Centre in Karan Nagar, Dr. Alia Gul is committed to delivering expert, compassionate, and family-centered care for squint and pediatric eye conditions. Through early detection, specialized treatment, and ongoing support, we aim to preserve vision and promote healthy visual development in children.

If your child shows signs of squint or has any eye-related concerns, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with our specialist. Together, we can protect your child’s vision and build a foundation for a bright and healthy future.