A clear starting point
Overview
A squint is a misalignment of the two eyes. In children it can cause lazy eye and loss of 3D (depth) vision; in adults it may follow nerve palsies, thyroid eye disease or trauma and often causes double vision. Evaluation identifies the type and cause before deciding between glasses, exercises, prisms or surgery.
What you may notice
Symptoms & Warning Signs
- Visible turning of one eye
- Double vision
- Head tilt or turn to see clearly
- Closing one eye in bright light
- Poor depth perception
Understanding the cause
Possible Causes
Causes include uncorrected refractive error, muscle imbalance, nerve palsy, trauma and systemic disease. Childhood squint may run in families.
When to seek care
When to Consult an Eye Specialist
Any new squint in an adult or child needs evaluation — sudden onset with double vision can signal neurological causes and should be assessed promptly.
Your evaluation
Diagnostic Process
Your specialist will recommend assessment based on your symptoms and eye health. This may include:
- Cover and prism tests to measure the deviation
- Refraction (often dilated) to find hidden focusing error
- Assessment of binocular vision and depth perception
- Neurological or thyroid work-up when indicated
Care is individual
Management & Treatment Approaches
The appropriate approach depends on the findings of your evaluation. Options may include:
- Glasses — some squints fully correct with the right prescription
- Amblyopia therapy in children
- Prisms for small or temporary deviations
- Squint surgery on the eye muscles for persistent misalignment
Preparing for a visit
What to Expect
The consultation involves simple, painless alignment tests. If surgery is advised, your doctor will explain realistic cosmetic and functional goals.
Balanced information
Risks & Limitations
Squint surgery is generally safe but may under- or over-correct, occasionally needing further adjustment. In children, delaying care risks permanent lazy eye.
After treatment
Recovery & Follow-up
After surgery, redness settles over a few weeks; alignment continues to stabilise with follow-up. Children often still need glasses and amblyopia care.
Answers to common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Medical disclaimer: This page is general educational information, not a diagnosis or a guarantee of any outcome. Treatment decisions are made only after an in-person evaluation by a qualified eye specialist.