Squint, also known as strabismus, is a condition in which the eyes do not align properly. One eye may turn inwards, outwards, upwards or downwards while the other eye focuses straight ahead. This can lead to double vision, amblyopia (lazy eye), and other visual problems. Squint can occur at any age but is most commonly diagnosed in children.
Pediatric ophthalmology is a subspecialty of ophthalmology that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders in children. These can include conditions such as amblyopia, refractive errors (such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism), and strabismus.
Treatment for squint and other pediatric eye conditions may include glasses, patching of the stronger eye, eye exercises, and surgery. The goal of treatment is to improve visual function and prevent complications such as amblyopia and loss of binocular vision (the ability to use both eyes together).
Regular eye exams are important for children to detect and treat any eye conditions early, when they are most treatable. Children should have their first eye exam by the age of 6 months, with follow-up exams at regular intervals as recommended by their ophthalmologist.
If you are concerned about your child's eye health or have been diagnosed with a pediatric eye condition, it is important to work closely with a specialist in the field, such as a pediatric ophthalmologist. They can help you understand your child's condition and develop a treatment plan that is tailored to their individual needs and circumstances.