Complete Strabismus & Squint Eye Guide
Strabismus, commonly referred to as a squint or crossed eyes, is a visual condition in which the eyes do not align properly. While one eye focuses on an object, the other drifts in another direction. This makes it difficult or impossible for the brain to combine the visual input from both eyes, interfering with normal vision development.
At Utsav Eye Clinic, Kharghar, we specialize in squint evaluation and treatment for both children and adults. Our clinic is led by Dr. Anand Kumar, a premier fellowship-trained Squint Specialist in Navi Mumbai.
Types of Squints
Why Binocular Vision Matters
In normal vision, both eyes send slightly different pictures of the world to the brain, which merges them into a single 3D perception. This skill is called binocular vision. Without it, a child's depth perception is severely limited, which can make everyday tasks difficult:
- Pouring juice into a cup without spilling.
- Catching or hitting fast-moving balls in sports.
- Walking or running up and down stairs.
- Judging the speed of oncoming traffic when crossing roads.
Treatment Paths for Squint
Not all squints require surgery. The treatment path depends on the patient's age and type of strabismus:
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Spectacles: In some children, a squint is caused entirely by farsightedness. When glasses are worn, the eyes align perfectly.
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Amblyopia (Lazy Eye) Therapy: If a squint has caused the brain to turn off one eye, the child must undergo patching or drop therapy to strengthen that eye before any realignment is done.
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Squint Surgery: If misalignment remains after correcting refractive errors and lazy eye, micro-surgery is performed to weaken or strengthen specific eye muscles to straighten the eyes.
To learn more about the surgery process, techniques (such as adjustable sutures), recovery, and risks, please read our dedicated Squint Surgery Guide.