Squint

The other name for squint is Strabismus, this is a state in which the alignment of the eyes is not correct, due to inaccurate equilibrium of the muscles which manage them. In this condition one of the eyes would be able to rotate upwards, outwards and inwards whereas the other eye would remain looking in one direction that is forward.

• Esotropia is when the eye rotates inwards.
• Exotropia is when the eye rotates outwards.
• Hypertropia is when the eye rotates upwards.
• Hypotropia is when the eye rotates downwards.

The state of squints could be invariable all the time or sporadic few times. The direction, cause and severity of this condition differ in all the people suffering from this condition. This state can generally be detected when the baby is a few weeks old.
The effectiveness of the squint depends on the age of the person and also the kind of squint he/she has, like:
As the child grows this condition can lead to growth of a lazy eye. In order to ignore the dual sight the brain avoids the indications from the eye which has a squint, and as a result would view images from the normal eye. As a result the squint eye would tend to become lazy due to reduced or nil usage.
In case of older children suffering from this condition they would not suffer from dual sight as their vision is completely developed.
Rarely, the child getting treatment for squint would have blurred sight or would get headaches as the squint is getting treated.
In case the sight of the squint eye is inadequate; the child would have to put on a patch on the normal eye so as to let the vision build up.

Childhood squints that are rectified have chances of recurring as adults.
In case of appearance of a squint as an adult, a check up is required so as to find out the reason of the squint.
It is not normal for a squint to develop in grownups, as the vision is fully developed.

Symptoms

The chief indication of a squint is that either of the eyes cannot look forward. In case of just born babies it is normal if their eyes go cross at times, especially when they are tired. But in case this persists even after the baby is more than 3 months old then it is advised to consult a doctor.
In cases where the child looks with his head on one side or with an eye being closed, this means he is facing dual vision, this could also indicate a squint.

Causes

There are various kinds of squints and the causes of the condition are not known often. A baby could be born with a squint this is known as congenital squint, especially if it is present in the family.
There are other reasons which could cause a squint like, a nerve or muscle problem in the eye, due to a medical problem in childhood like chickenpox or measles or even due to long sightedness. In case of children with severe long sightedness, the eyes of the child would try very hard to view objects as a result dual vision occurs. This can result in an eye to turn away so as to prevent its usage.