Squint/Orthoptics

Squint is the misalignment of the eyes.

Causes of squint

  • Refractive (focussing) abnormality.
  • Eye muscle imbalance.
  • Family predisposition.
  • Fatigue, stress.
  • Injury

Early detection and treatment especially in children is important to prevent the development of “lazy eyes”.

Types of squint :

Esotropia (Convergent squint): Eye turns inwards.

Exotropia (Divergent squint): Eye turns outwards.

Hypertropia:

Eye moves in upward position.

Hypotropia

Eye moves in downward position.

Treatment of squint

E

The first step in squint correction is the prescription of glasses.

E

In children amblyopia or lazy eye are treated with glasses and patching of the good eye.

E

Prisms or also prescribed, which are special types of glasses with small deviations.

E

Orthoptic exercises:

These eye muscle exercises are done in children with special machine called Synaptophore.

E

Surgical correction of the squint :

If surgery is required Dr. Bariana will discuss with you the sequence and planning of the operation. Sometimes surgery is one eye or both eyes may be required. The possibility of the squint recurring, partial correction cannot be ruled out.