Strabismus or Eye Squint

Strabismus , Squint or Eye Turn

 A deviation of the eye from the line of sight can loosely be referred to as a squint or strabismus.  Squints can be intermittent or more well established and more permanent.

Why does my child have a squint?

The underlying basis can be complicated and at times serious, and best discussed with our Optometrist. Space occupying brain lesions, such as tumors can be responsible. Family history of squint is relevant. Benign presentations most commonly seen in children , can be addressed with the use of corrective lenses in combination with patching of the better eye and some visual therapy exercises.

Why patching and visual therapy.

An eye with a turn often has weaker vision. The vision is weaker not because it is not wearing spectacles but because the brain and associated connections linked to this eye have learned to ignore that eye. The vision has never fully developed.

The philosophy behind patching of a good eye, and visual therapy is aimed at awakening the neural network supplying the eye with the turn. It is somewhat comparable to learning to walk without crutches. When implemented in a timely manner it can have significant benefits to the development of the visual system.