A squint, medically known as strabismus, is a condition where the eyes are not properly aligned. One eye may look straight ahead while the other turns inward, outward, upward, or downward. While many people believe a squint is only a cosmetic concern, it is actually a functional eye condition that can affect vision, eye coordination, and quality of life.
At Orbit Eye Center in Dubai, squint and complex eye alignment conditions are evaluated and treated with a personalised, specialist-led approach, focusing on both visual function and comfort.
What causes squint (strabismus)?
Squint occurs when the muscles that control eye movement do not work together properly. This imbalance may be present from birth or may develop later in life.
Common causes include:
- Eye muscle imbalance
- Nerve-related conditions
- Childhood vision problems that persist into adulthood
- Trauma or certain medical conditions
Identifying the underlying cause is critical, as squint treatment is never the same for every patient.
Why squint should not be ignored
In children, untreated squint can interfere with normal visual development. To avoid double vision, the brain may suppress the image from one eye, leading to lazy eye (amblyopia). If left untreated, this vision loss can become permanent.
In adults, squint often causes:
- Eye strain and fatigue
- Headaches
- Double vision
- Difficulty with depth perception
- Reduced confidence in social and professional interactions
Many adults believe that squint cannot be corrected later in life. In reality, modern ophthalmology offers effective treatment options for adults as well.
Squint evaluation and treatment at Orbit Eye Center
At Orbit Eye Center, squint assessment involves a detailed evaluation of eye alignment, muscle function, and binocular vision. Treatment plans are customised based on the patient’s age, condition, and visual needs.
Treatment options may include:
- Prescription glasses or prism lenses
- Vision therapy to improve eye coordination
- Medical management where appropriate
- Squint (strabismus) surgery, when required
According to Dr. Walid Abdalla, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Orbit Eye Center, the goal of squint treatment is not only to improve eye alignment, but also to restore visual comfort and functional vision wherever possible.
What to expect from squint surgery
Squint surgery today is safe, precise, and carefully planned. Many patients experience:
- Reduced eye strain
- Improved visual comfort
- Better depth perception
- Increased confidence
Recovery is usually faster than most patients expect, with many returning to normal activities within a short period.
When should you see a squint specialist?
You should consider an eye evaluation if:
- A child’s eyes appear misaligned at any age
- There is frequent head tilting or eye closing
- Double vision or eye strain persists
- A squint appears suddenly in adulthood
Early diagnosis allows for simpler treatment and better long-term outcomes.
Final thoughts
Squint is more than an appearance issue — it affects how the eyes and brain work together. With timely diagnosis and expert care at Orbit Eye Center, both children and adults can achieve better vision, comfort, and confidence.
