Guide to Correcting Squint: Causes, Treatments, and Solutions
Wondering how a squint can be corrected? Our complete guide covers everything from non-surgical options like glasses and vision therapy to squint surgery for adults and children.
Written by Dr. Dhankecha Mayank Dineshbhai
Reviewed by Dr. D Bhanu Prakash MBBS, AFIH, Advanced certificate in critical care medicine, Fellowship in critical care medicine
Last updated on 5th Sep, 2025
Introduction
Is your child's eye wandering inward or outward? Or perhaps you're an adult who has noticed a sudden or long-standing misalignment in your own vision? This condition, known medically as strabismus or more commonly as a squint, is more than just a cosmetic concern; it can significantly impact depth perception and, in children, lead to a lazy eye (amblyopia). The good news is that squint can be corrected at almost any age. Modern ophthalmology offers a range of effective treatments, from simple corrective lenses to sophisticated vision therapy and surgery. This guide will walk you through all the available options, what to expect from treatment, and how to achieve the best possible outcome for clear, comfortable, and aligned vision.
What Exactly is a Squint (Strabismus)?
A squint is a condition where the eyes do not align properly and point in different directions. One eye may look straight ahead while the other turns inward (esotropia), outward (exotropia), upward (hypertropia), or downward (hypotropia). This misalignment can be constant or intermittent, occurring only when a person is tired, ill, or focusing on a near object.
The root cause lies in a failure of the eye muscles to work together. The brain receives two different images, which can cause double vision (diplopia). In young children, the brain cleverly learns to ignore the image from the misaligned eye to avoid confusion, but this can suppress the vision in that eye, leading to amblyopia.
Consult an Ophthalmologist for the best advice
Diagnosing the Type and Cause of Squint
Before determining how to fix a squint eye, a comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist or a strabismus specialist is crucial. This isn't a one-size-fits-all condition. The diagnosis involves:
- Patient History: Discussing when the squint was first noticed, its frequency, and any family history.
- Visual Acuity Test: Reading letters on an eye chart to assess clarity in each eye.
- Refraction Test: Determining the correct prescription for glasses by using a phoropter.
- Alignment and Focus Tests: Simple tests like the "cover-uncover" test, where the doctor covers one eye to see how the other moves to fixate on a target.
- Retinal Exam: Examining the back of the eye to rule out any underlying pathology.
This detailed workup helps classify the squint and identify its cause, which is essential for choosing the right squint treatment.
Non-Surgical Squint Correction Methods
For many patients, especially children, surgery is not the first line of defense. Several highly effective non-invasive treatments can correct the misalignment.
1. Prescription Glasses or Contact Lenses
This is often the simplest and first solution. If the squint is caused by a significant refractive error like farsightedness (hyperopia), the eyes may over-focus and turn inward. Corrective lenses can reduce this straining effort, allowing the eyes to align properly without any additional intervention. For some children, wearing glasses can completely resolve the squint.
2. Vision Therapy (Orthoptics)
Vision therapy is a customized program of eye exercises designed to improve coordination, focus, and binocular vision. It's like physical therapy for the eyes and brain. An orthoptist guides patients through activities that teach the eyes to work together effectively. This is particularly useful for:
Intermittent exotropia (where the eye drifts outward occasionally).
Convergence insufficiency (difficulty focusing on near objects).
Improving depth perception after surgery.
3. Prism Lenses
Prisms are special lenses that bend light entering the eye. By shifting the image, they can help reduce double vision and make it easier for the eyes to point in the same direction. They can be incorporated into regular prescription glasses and are often used as a temporary measure or for small-angle squints.
4. Patching for Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)
If a child has developed a lazy eye due to the squint, patching the stronger eye is essential. By covering the "good" eye for a prescribed number of hours each day, the brain is forced to use the weaker eye, strengthening its visual connection. This doesn't straighten the eye itself but treats the associated vision loss, which is a critical part of the overall squint correction process.
Surgical Correction for Strabismus
When non-surgical methods are insufficient to fully correct the alignment, squint surgery becomes a highly effective option. It's the most common treatment for constant squints.
What Does Squint Surgery Involve?
Contrary to popular belief, this surgery is not performed on the eye itself but on the muscles that control eye movement. The procedure involves:
1. Adjusting the Eye Muscles: The surgeon makes a small incision in the tissue covering the eye to access the muscles. They then either weaken, strengthen, or reposition these muscles to change the eye's position.
2. Recession: weakening a muscle by moving it backward.
3. Resection: strengthening a muscle by shortening it.
4. The goal is to achieve balanced muscle tension so the eyes are aligned.
The surgery is typically done under general anaesthesia for children and local anaesthesia for adults. It is an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day.
Squint Surgery for Adults: It's Never Too Late
Many adults believe they have to live with a squint, but adult strabismus surgery is very common and successful. Adults may seek surgery for:
- Cosmetic improvement and boosted self-confidence.
- Eliminating double vision and improving field of vision.
- Correcting a childhood squint that was never treated or has recurred.
- Treating a squint caused by a medical condition like thyroid eye disease or a stroke.
Recovery involves some redness and discomfort for a few days, with a return to most normal activities within a week.
Botox injections for squint correction
In some specific cases, an injection of Botulinum toxin (Botox) can be used to treat a squint. It works by temporarily paralyzing an overactive eye muscle, allowing the opposing muscle to tighten and pull the eye into a better position. This is often used for small-angle squints or squints caused by nerve palsies.
Conclusion: Taking the Next Step Towards Aligned Vision
Correcting a squint is a highly achievable goal with today's medical advancements. Whether the solution is as simple as a pair of glasses or involves a surgical procedure, the outcomes are overwhelmingly positive, leading to improved vision, enhanced depth perception, and a significant boost in self-esteem. The most critical step is the first one: scheduling a comprehensive examination with a qualified eye specialist or strabismus surgeon. They can provide a precise diagnosis and tailor a treatment plan to your specific needs or your child's. Don't assume a squint is something you just have to live with. Take action today to explore the possibilities for clear, straight, and healthy vision.
Consult an Ophthalmologist for the best advice
Consult an Ophthalmologist for the best advice
Dr. S Venkateswaran
Ophthalmologist
35 Years • MBBS, PGD (OPTHALMOLOGY)
Tiruvannamalai
Shiva Eye And General Hospital, Tiruvannamalai
Dr. Mridula V Amarnath
Ophthalmologist
12 Years • MBBS,MS (Opthalomology)
Bengaluru
Apollo Medical Center, Marathahalli, Bengaluru
Dr. Smita Gaurav Gujarathi
Ophthalmologist
4 Years • MBBS DNB (Opthal)
Nashik
Apollo Hospitals Nashik, Nashik
Dr. Sujit Pahari
Ophthalmologist
22 Years • MBBS, DNB, DOMS Ophthalmologist/ Eye Surgeon. FIC (Ophthal).
Bilaspur
Apollo Hospitals Seepat Road, Bilaspur
Dr. Sharon Dsouza
Ophthalmologist
15 Years • MBBS,MS in Ophthalmology ,Fellowship – Cornea & Refractive Surgery ,PhD in Ocular Immunology
Bengaluru
Apollo Hospitals Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru
Consult an Ophthalmologist for the best advice
Dr. S Venkateswaran
Ophthalmologist
35 Years • MBBS, PGD (OPTHALMOLOGY)
Tiruvannamalai
Shiva Eye And General Hospital, Tiruvannamalai
Dr. Mridula V Amarnath
Ophthalmologist
12 Years • MBBS,MS (Opthalomology)
Bengaluru
Apollo Medical Center, Marathahalli, Bengaluru
Dr. Smita Gaurav Gujarathi
Ophthalmologist
4 Years • MBBS DNB (Opthal)
Nashik
Apollo Hospitals Nashik, Nashik
Dr. Sujit Pahari
Ophthalmologist
22 Years • MBBS, DNB, DOMS Ophthalmologist/ Eye Surgeon. FIC (Ophthal).
Bilaspur
Apollo Hospitals Seepat Road, Bilaspur
Dr. Sharon Dsouza
Ophthalmologist
15 Years • MBBS,MS in Ophthalmology ,Fellowship – Cornea & Refractive Surgery ,PhD in Ocular Immunology
Bengaluru
Apollo Hospitals Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru
