You may have heard the term “squint,” but what exactly is it?
A squint (also known as strabismus) is a condition where the eyes do not align properly. One eye may turn inwards, outwards, upwards, or downwards, while the other looks straight ahead. It can be constant or come and go.
What Causes a Squint?
- Muscle imbalance – where the eye muscles don’t work together correctly.
- Uncorrected vision problems – like long-sightedness in children.
- Nerve issues or brain conditions
- Injuries or genetic conditions
Squints can appear at birth (congenital) or develop later in childhood or adulthood.
Types of Squints:
- Esotropia – Eye turns inward
- Exotropia – Eye turns outward
- Hypertropia – Eye turns upward
- Hypotropia – Eye turns downward
Each type affects how your eyes work together, which in turn affects depth perception and coordination.
Why Squints Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Untreated squints can lead to:
- Amblyopia (lazy eye) – where the brain ignores signals from the misaligned eye
- Double vision
- Impaired 3D vision
- Low self-confidence, especially in children and teens
Treatment Options:
- Glasses or contact lenses to correct underlying vision issues
- Patching therapy (for lazy eye)
- Vision therapy or eye exercises
- Surgery in some cases to realign the eyes
Children and Squints:
If you notice your child’s eyes drifting, don’t wait to “see if they grow out of it.” Early detection is key to protecting their vision development.
📞 Worried about a squint in yourself or a loved one? Let us take a closer look.
Book a professional eye exam at The JHB Eye Lady today:
Call or WhatsApp 068 398 2996
🌐 https://thejhbeyelady.co.za