Squint

Squint, also known as strabismus, is a condition where one eye does not align with the other, resulting in misalignment. This misalignment can be either constant or intermittent, often stemming from weak or stiff eye muscles, nerve abnormalities, or issues in brain coordination. While squint is frequently observed in children, it can develop at any age. Some infants may outgrow this condition naturally, but others may need medical intervention to improve alignment and prevent potential vision problems.

Symptoms of Squint

Symptoms of squint, or strabismus, include noticeable deviation of one eye from the normal alignment, leading to a misaligned gaze. Individuals may experience decreased vision in the affected eye as the brain often ignores its image, resulting in weak vision. Adults may suffer from double vision due to the lack of coordination between the eyes. Other signs can include head tilting or unusual eye movements when focusing on objects.

Causes of Squint

Squint, or strabismus, can arise from various causes, including decreased vision in the affected eye, which leads to misalignment. Aberrant nerve supply and weak or paralyzed eye muscles can also contribute to this condition. Uncorrected refractive errors, such as high distant vision, may result in accommodative esotropia. Other causes include cataracts, diabetes, and brain tumors, which can disrupt normal eye coordination and alignment.

Types of Squint

There are four main types of squint. Hypotropia occurs when one eye moves upward, while hypertropia is characterized by one eye moving downward. Esotropia refers to inward eye movement, often known as cross-eyed, and can impact depth perception. In contrast, exotropia is when one or both eyes turn outward. Each type can affect visual coordination and may require different treatment approaches for proper management.

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