Squinting and Your Child’s Vision: A Simple Guide for Concerned Parents

The sense of sight is considered the most important of the five senses.

Humans perceive up to 80 per cent of information through their eyes. Even when the nose and ears stop working, the eyes can help protect people from danger (e.g., detecting spoiled food by spotting traces of mould when you can’t smell because of a cold or spotting a speeding ambulance on the road even when you can’t hear its siren).

Eye health is crucial, especially at a young age. So, if you notice your child squinting, don’t ignore it.

While it might seem harmless, this condition may indicate a more serious issue. Early detection and treatment are essential to prevent long-term vision problems. That means consulting an ophthalmologist in Dubai at the first sign of squint can make all the difference for your child’s eyesight.

This article covers all the vital information every parent should know about squint and how it affects children.

What Is a Squint?

Squinting is the act of narrowing one’s eyes to see better. But medically speaking, the term “squint” refers to a condition called strabismus, where one eye points in a different direction, which is essentially how doctors categorise the condition:

• Hypotropia – downwards
• Hypertropia – upwards
• Esotropia – inwards
• Exotropia – outwards

Squint can lead to misalignment that can affect vision. While strabismus is often incorrectly called “lazy eye,” the terms are not interchangeable. However, if left untreated, a squint can cause amblyopia (the correct medical term for lazy eye).

Recognising the Signs of Squint in Your Child

Squinting can be more than just a sign of trying to see better. If your child frequently squints, it might indicate a need for vision correction. Self-squinting, where your child narrows their eyes to see objects more clearly, is one of the early signs to watch for.

Other symptoms include eyes that don’t align properly. You might notice one eye drifting inward (convergent) or outward (divergent) while the other remains focused. Sometimes, the affected eye may also move upward or downward instead of aligning with the other.

Children with squint may also experience:

• Double vision
• Frequent blinking
• Asynchronised eye movement (i.e., when following an object)

If your child closes one eye when looking at something, tilts their head to see better, or if you notice their eyes crossing more often than usual, it could be a sign of squint.

These behaviours often happen instinctively as the child tries to suppress the vision from the misaligned eye, avoiding double vision. Regular eye checks can help catch these signs early.

What Causes Squint? Understanding the Common Triggers

Squint, or strabismus, has several causes, many of which stem from underlying issues with eye muscles, nerves, or brain control. It occurs when these components fail to work together, leading to misalignment of the eyes.

Strabismus is often seen in kids with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, or other neurological disorders. These children may experience abnormal eye movement, making it difficult for their eyes to focus in the same direction.

This eye condition can develop early in life. Some children are born with it (known as congenital squints), or it can appear within the first six months. Often caused by muscle imbalance, these can cause the eye to turn inward or outward.

In other cases, squint may develop due to refractive errors, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness, where the eye struggles to focus properly.

When a child has difficulty focusing due to these vision problems, one eye may turn inward or outward as the brain tries to correct the focus. Farsighted children often develop an inward-turning squint (esotropia) as they strain to see clearly. On the other hand, nearsightedness can sometimes cause the eye to drift outward (exotropia).

Occasionally, it can be associated with more serious health conditions, such as genetic disorders, brain injuries, and retinoblastoma, a rare eye cancer.

Because of these potential risks, it’s crucial to have a child’s eyes examined, especially if they suddenly develop this eye condition or other symptoms. Early detection can ensure that any underlying issues are addressed promptly.

How Squint Impacts Your Child’s Eyesight

Squint disrupts normal vision by affecting binocular vision or the ability to use both eyes together.

This disruption can lead to reduced depth perception, making it difficult for your child to judge distances accurately. The brain often compensates by ignoring the input from the misaligned eye, which can result in amblyopia, commonly known as lazy eye.

If left untreated, it can cause significant strain and discomfort. Your child might experience headaches, eye strain, and fatigue due to the constant effort to focus. They may also have poor three-dimensional vision and double vision that can affect daily activities and school performance.

Effective Treatments for Squint

Several treatment options are available for managing squint.

• Glasses are often prescribed when refractive errors like farsightedness or nearsightedness contribute to the condition.
• Eye patches can aid in strengthening the weaker eye, particularly if amblyopia is present.
• Vision therapy may also improve eye coordination.

In more severe cases, surgery might be necessary. This procedure involves adjusting the muscles that control eye movement to correct the alignment. Surgery is usually considered when other treatments do not yield the desired results, helping to restore proper eye function and appearance.

What Parents Need to Know

Early detection and regular eye check-ups are essential in managing squint effectively.

If you notice signs of a squint in your child, it’s important to consult an eye specialist in Dubai without delay. Prompt treatment can prevent long-term vision problems like lazy eye or persistent double vision.

Monitor your child’s eye health closely and ensure they receive regular check-ups. This proactive approach can catch any issues early and provide the best chance for successful treatment, safeguarding your child’s vision for the future.

Protect Your Child’s Vision

Identifying and treating squint early is crucial for maintaining your child’s vision.

Regular eye exams and prompt consultation with an ophthalmologist in Dubai can prevent long-term issues.

With the right care, you can ensure your child’s eyes develop properly, giving them clear eyesight for life.