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Squint (Strabismus)
A squint is when the eyes do not point in the same direction. It is common in children and, if untreated early, can lead to a lazy eye and reduced vision.
Causes & risk factors
- Problems with the eye muscles or their nerves
- Long-sightedness or other refractive errors
- Family history
- Present from birth or developing in childhood
- Sometimes linked to other conditions
Common symptoms
- Eyes pointing in different directions
- One eye turning in, out, up or down
- Blurred or double vision
- Tilting or turning the head to see
- A lazy eye (reduced vision in one eye)
- Eye strain
Tests & diagnosis
- Vision test
- Eye alignment and movement test
- Refraction test
- Dilated eye examination
Treatment & management
- Glasses to correct any refractive error
- Eye patching to treat a lazy eye
- Eye exercises in selected cases
- Surgery to align the eye muscles
- Early treatment in children gives the best results
When to see a doctor urgently
- Any squint in a child (get it checked early)
- A new squint in an adult
- Double vision
- A squint after a head injury or with other symptoms
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about squint (strabismus). It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Will a child grow out of a squint?
Not usually. A constant squint should be checked early, because treating it in childhood protects vision and can prevent a lazy eye.
Is a new squint in an adult serious?
A sudden new squint or double vision in an adult should be assessed promptly, as it can occasionally signal a nerve or brain problem.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.