Overview

Squint, medically known as Strabismus, is a condition in which the eyes do not align properly and point in different directions. One eye may turn inwards, outwards, upwards, or downwards while the other eye focuses correctly. This misalignment can affect both vision and appearance. Early and accurate intervention is crucial to prevent long-term visual impairment such as amblyopia (lazy eye). Dr. Rakesh Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director, is highly experienced in the diagnosis and management of squint across all age groups, offering both non-surgical and surgical treatment options based on individual needs.

Cause of Squint

Squint can occur due to various reasons. Common causes include:

• Imbalance in the eye muscles

• Refractive errors, especially uncorrected farsightedness (hypermetropia)

• Neurological or developmental disorders

• Congenital eye muscle abnormalities

• Trauma or injury to the eye or head

• Family history of strabismus

• In some cases, the exact cause may remain unknown (idiopathic)

Symptoms of Squint

Symptoms may vary depending on the severity and type of squint. Common signs include:

• Eyes that appear misaligned

• Double vision

• Tilting or turning of the head to use one eye

• Difficulty with depth perception

• Frequent eye strain or headaches

• In children, poor academic performance or inability to track objects properly

Some children may not show symptoms, making routine eye exams essential for early detection.

Diagnosis

Dr. Rakesh Gupta performs a comprehensive eye evaluation to determine the type, degree, and underlying cause of squint. Diagnostic steps include:

• Visual Acuity Testing: To assess clarity of vision in each eye

• Ocular Alignment Tests: Including cover/uncover and Hirschberg tests

• Cycloplegic Refraction: To detect hidden refractive errors

• Fundus Examination: To rule out any retinal or neurological cause

• Binocular Vision Assessment: To check the eyes’ ability to work together

A precise diagnosis forms the foundation for a successful treatment plan.

Treatment

The treatment goal is to realign the eyes, improve binocular vision, and prevent or manage amblyopia. Dr. Gupta tailors the treatment strategy based on the age, cause, and severity of the squint:

1. Optical Correction

• Prescription glasses or contact lenses are often the first step in cases caused by refractive errors.

• Bifocals or prisms may be prescribed to help with alignment.

2. Orthoptic Exercises

• These vision therapy exercises strengthen eye muscles and coordination, especially beneficial for intermittent or small-angle squints.

3. Occlusion Therapy

• Also known as patching, this is used in children to treat amblyopia by forcing the weaker eye to work harder.

4. Botulinum Toxin Injections

• In select cases, Botox may be injected into overactive eye muscles to temporarily correct alignment, often used as an alternative to surgery.

5. Surgical Correction

• When non-surgical measures are insufficient, eye muscle surgery is performed to adjust the length or position of the muscles controlling eye movement.

• Dr. Gupta specializes in advanced squint correction surgery with high precision, ensuring both functional and cosmetic outcomes.

Conclusion

Timely treatment of squint not only restores proper eye alignment but also plays a critical role in preserving vision, especially in children. With a strong emphasis on accurate diagnosis and individualized care, Dr. Rakesh Gupta brings exceptional expertise in the management of squint, backed by years of experience and advanced surgical skills.