Breaking the Myth about Squint or Strabismus

 

Introduction

Squint, or strabismus, is a condition in which the eyeballs are not parallel and the eyes appear to be looking in different directions. Squint which is also known as ‘turned eye’ or ‘crossed eye’ or ‘cock eye’ is an eye condition caused due to lack of coordination of the muscles in the eye that control its movement. In a squint eye most commonly one eye either turns in (esotropia) or out (exotropia). Change in the direction of eyes may cause other associated issues like double vision, change in eye structure, and so on. The cause of squint to be due to many reasons like genetic, neurological, pre-maturity, high spectacle number, or injury to the head or eyes. While we have covered a lot about the squint eye in our previous articles, there are several myths related to the perception and treatment of squint, especially in children. This article is an attempt to break the myth pertaining to squint and an attempt to state the facts from a medical perspective and as per squint specialist in Mumbai about the condition of strabismus. 

 

MYTH 1: Squint condition in children will improve over the years

FACT: Squint eye is a condition that can never cure over time without going through a relevant medical treatment. Squint surgeons in Mumbai often urge parents to not ignore such conditions in a child for the condition aggravates if not treated on time. Squint condition in children will improve over the years has been a popular belief harboured by many parents. But in reality, delay in treatment can lead to permanent loss of vision in one eye of the child. Squint eye conditions should be immediately diagnosed as only timely intervention can save the child's vision.

MYTH 2: There are no treatments for the squint eye condition

FACT: This is definitely not true. Every squint eye condition has a proper treatment if you consult with the right squint eye specialist in Mumbai. Depending on the type of squint, there are treatments available. Treatment for the eye may include using glasses, eye patching in which a lazy eye is made to work more as compared to the normal eye, vision therapy exercises prisms, and even surgery. Depending on the condition and severity of the case treatments are suggested.  Treatment of squint is long term and yield results over time. It is also important to note that squint can be treated at any age, for children and adults, but it is said that the treatment done in childhood gives the best results.

MYTH 3: Children are too young for undergoing eye surgery

FACT: This myth just does not hold true. On the contrary, earlier the child is treated for squint; the better will be the results of the treatment. Approach the best squint surgeon in Mumbai and your child will be in safe hands. Even if surgery is recommended, no child is too young for surgery. One must remember that timing is critical for improving the vision and will definitely benefit the child in the long run. Moreover, squint surgery is one of the safest eye surgeries as it does not involve the opening of the eye like in cataract surgery. Only the muscles on the white portion of the eye are tightened or loosened further, there is very little or no probability of damage to vision or permanent scar after surgery.

MYTH 4: Squint is just a cosmetic problem

FACT: Condition of squint eye is more than just a cosmetic problem. Squint eye if left untreated may lead to compromise of vision in a child. Early treatment of squint is not only required to straighten the eyes for cosmetic reasons but to also prevent deterioration of vision and binocularity. Binocularity is the condition in which both eyes work together to achieve the 3-dimensional vision and depth perception.

Conclusion

Parents should take the condition seriously and consider immediate consultation for squint treatment for children in mumbai. Both parents and doctors should work together to take adequate measures to prevent visual impairment due to squint.