Strabismus is a condition in which the eyes do not point in the same direction. It can also be referred to as a tropia or squint.

Strabismus occurs in 2-5% of all children. About half are born with the condition, which causes one or both eyes to turn:

• Inward (esotropia or “crossed eyes”)
• Outward (exotropia or “wall eyes”)
• Upward (hypertropia)
• Downward (hypotropia)

Strabismus is equally common in boys and girls. It sometimes runs in families.

Guidelines For Parents

• A squint persisting after 4 months of age should be reported to a pediatric ophthalmologist.
• Few squints in children can be corrected with glasses alone.
• If required, squint surgery can be done as early as 6 months of age.
• Squint, if left untreated can lead to lazy eye.
• Early treatment gives the child good vision, depth perception and cosmetically straight eyes.