Specialized Experts
Dr. Ebtihal Al Baharna
CONSULTANT OPHTHALMIC SURGEON
SQUINT
Normally both eyes look at the same direction. When each eye looks at a different direction the eyes look crossed, this is known as squint. It can present at birth, or any time later in life.
Eye movements are controlled by small muscles, they work in a coordinated manner so both eyes look at the same direction at the same time. When one or more of these muscles do not work properly in an eye, squint-eye results. The eye can be turned at any direction, including inward, outward, upward or downward. Patients with squint can experience blurry or double vision.
Types of Treatment
Glasses
Checkups
Eye Exercises
Surgery
Treatment of squint depend on its severity. Mild cases might only require regular eye check-ups. In others, glasses and eye exercises can help to correct any refractive errors improving eyes alignment. In more severe cases, surgery is required. Surgery is usually performed as a day-case procedure, under general anaesthesia, eye muscles length and position are adjusted in order to make both eyes aligned correctly. The aim of the surgery is mostly only cosmetic, improving the way the eyes look. Sometimes, surgery can correct double vision.
In children, it is important to promptly correct squint ideally before the age of 5, as delaying it can result in irreversible vision impairment and lazy eye.