Summary about Disease
Squint, also known as strabismus, is a condition where the eyes don't look in the same direction at the same time. One eye may look straight ahead, while the other eye turns inward (esotropia or "cross-eyed"), outward (exotropia or "wall-eyed"), upward (hypertropia), or downward (hypotropia). It can affect people of all ages but is more common in children. If left untreated, it can lead to amblyopia ("lazy eye") and permanent vision problems.
Symptoms
Eyes that don't look in the same direction
Double vision
Tilting or turning the head to look at objects
Closing one eye to see better
Poor depth perception
Eye fatigue
Headaches
Decreased vision in one eye
Causes
Muscle imbalance in the eyes
Problems with the nerves that control eye muscles
Refractive errors (such as farsightedness, nearsightedness, or astigmatism)
Brain conditions (less common)
Family history of squint
Medicine Used
Eye drops (e.g., atropine) to blur vision in the stronger eye, forcing the weaker eye to work harder (often used in conjunction with patching).
Medications are generally not the primary treatment for squint itself, but may address underlying conditions or symptoms.
Is Communicable
No, squint is not communicable. It is not an infectious disease and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Early detection and treatment are crucial, especially in children.
Regular eye exams, particularly for children with a family history of squint or other eye problems.
Adherence to prescribed treatments, such as wearing glasses, patching, or eye exercises.
How long does an outbreak last?
Squint is not an "outbreak" in the sense of an infectious disease. It's a chronic condition that persists unless treated. The duration depends on when treatment starts and how effectively it corrects the eye misalignment. Without treatment, it can be lifelong.
How is it diagnosed?
Comprehensive eye exam by an ophthalmologist or optometrist.
Visual acuity tests (to check how well each eye sees).
Refraction (to check for refractive errors).
Eye muscle tests (to assess eye movement and alignment).
Cover test (to see how the eyes move when one eye is covered).
Stereopsis test (to evaluate depth perception).
Timeline of Symptoms
Squint can be present at birth (congenital) or develop later in childhood or adulthood.
Symptoms may be constant or intermittent, depending on the type and severity of the squint.
Untreated, the symptoms (e.g., double vision, poor depth perception) tend to persist or worsen over time.
Important Considerations
Early intervention is key to preventing amblyopia in children.
Treatment options vary depending on the type and severity of the squint, as well as the patient's age.
Surgery may be necessary to correct muscle imbalances in some cases.
Adults with squint can also benefit from treatment to improve vision, alignment, and reduce symptoms like double vision.
It is important to follow the eye doctor’s instructions carefully for best results.