Squint in children, also known as strabismus, is a misalignment of the eyes that can result in the eyes not looking in the same direction. They may end up being either convergent or divergent in straight gaze, or one eye may drift upwards or downwards. It is often possible to spot the signs of a squint in children by noticing that the eyes aren’t aligned at certain times, and it’s important to seek a professional diagnosis as soon as you do.
All squints should be referred to an ophthalmologist (and/or orthoptist) as early as possible. A childhood squint may be correctable at an early age simply by the use of patches or glasses. At a later stage of diagnosis, non-surgical or surgical treatment may be required.
A squint may present by itself or be secondary to other less obvious conditions. Therefore, all squints need to be investigated thoroughly.
What causes squint in children?
For some children, a squint may have no particular cause. Other common causes include:
- Refractive errors – where there is a problem with the focusing power of the eye
- Eye conditions – such as congenital cataract, retinal or optic nerve conditions
- Eye muscle problems
- Family history
Squint in children is usually more noticeable at the end of the day, and may become more evident when a child is:
- Tired
- Daydreaming
- Following extensive close-up concentration
Strabismus in children may also be accompanied by double vision, headaches or blurred vision. Sometimes the squint is not noticed by the patient but by friends or family, or it is picked up on in a photograph or video.
Treatment of a squint
Contrary to popular belief, a squint can be treated irrespective of age. However, the best approach for treating childhood squint vary on an individual basis. Some squints can be treated with glasses or contact lenses, others with Botox, and some patients need squint surgery for a definitive cure. Mr Saurabh Jain will discuss the options with you thoroughly and explain exactly what’s involved before any decisions are made.
The decision for squint surgery differs per patient. However, with a number of advances in microsurgical skills and with improved techniques over the last few years, squint surgery is now much safer and more successful than before.
Small incision squint surgery
In some cases, surgery may be possible to correct a squint. You may need a squint operation on one or both eyes.
Mr Saurabh Jain has pioneered small incision squint surgery in the UK. By making a small incision that is hidden under the lower eyelid, there is no visible scarring.
Squint surgery is performed under general anaesthetic and usually lasts around half an hour or less, depending on the number of muscles being operated on. You should be able to go home the same day. The eye will be red after the procedure, but this should fade within three weeks and you will be given eye drops to reduce inflammation and prevent infection.
Postoperative care
The eye is red following the procedure and drops to reduce the inflammation and prevent infection are supplied after the surgery; no patches or pads are needed. The redness wears off within three weeks and within this time swimming and heavy exercise are not advisable.
Children may have to stay off school for the first week; an immediate post-operative appointment is arranged within the first week and then another after a month or so.
Out of hours aftercare
Mr Saurabh Jain is always happy to receive calls if a patient has difficulties after surgery. Call his secretary or the hospital at which the surgery was carried out and they will give him your contact details. If you have any further questions, please feel free to send us an email.