What is a Squint?

Glen Eden Optometrists

A Squint is a visual problem in which the eyes do not look in the same direction. One eye may look straight ahead, while the other eye turns inward, outward, upward, or downward. It may happen all the time or only when the person is tired, unwell or focusing on a near or distant object.
Another name for a squint is strabismus.
They may arise in the first few months of life or they may appear later in childhood. In early onset squint, the child has a poor ability to use the eyes together (known as binocular vision).

If left untreated, squints may:
- cause a child to develop a lazy eye, (poor visual development) which if not corrected will lead to poor sight in that eye
- cause a child to lose binocular vision
- cause adults to develop double vision
- affect physical appearance.

If you have any concerns about potential squints pop in to see your local Optometrist for a consultation.