Strabismus (Squint)
Misaligned Eyes in Children and Adults
Strabismus, commonly known as a squint, is a condition in which the eyes are not properly aligned. Expert diagnosis and specialist management at The Eye Doctor clinic in Huddersfield — from first assessment through to surgery and long-term follow-up.
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I saw Professor Jeeva today for a consultation regarding lower blephoroplasty. I was made very welcome and put at ease. The procedure was explained to me and I was encouraged to ask as many questions I wanted. I wasn't made to feel rushed or pressured into anything and left feeling that if I do decide to proceed I will be in safe hands.
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Denise DouthwaiteWhat Is Strabismus?
Strabismus, commonly known as a squint, is a condition in which the eyes are not properly aligned and do not move together as a coordinated pair. One eye may turn inward, outward, upward, or downward, while the other eye looks straight ahead. The affected eye is said to be deviated, and the brain receives two different images rather than a single fused three-dimensional image.
Strabismus can be constant (always present) or intermittent (appearing only at certain times, such as when tired or unwell). It is one of the most common eye conditions in children, affecting approximately 3–5% of the paediatric population. It can also develop in adults following stroke, head injury, thyroid eye disease, or neurological conditions.
Early diagnosis and treatment are essential, particularly in young children. Without timely intervention, strabismus can lead to amblyopia (lazy eye), where the brain permanently reduces its reliance on the deviated eye's signals, causing irreversible vision loss in that eye.
Types of Strabismus
Esotropia (Convergent Squint)
The eye turns inward towards the nose. The most common type in the UK, particularly in children. Accommodative esotropia is caused by uncorrected long-sightedness and may be correctable with glasses alone.
Exotropia (Divergent Squint)
The eye turns outward away from the nose. Often intermittent in early childhood and may worsen with tiredness or illness. Constant exotropia typically requires surgical management.
Vertical Strabismus (Hypertropia / Hypotropia)
One eye is positioned higher (hypertropia) or lower (hypotropia) than the other. Can occur independently or alongside a horizontal deviation. Often associated with muscle palsy or other neurological causes.
Paralytic / Acquired Strabismus
Caused by nerve palsy affecting one or more extraocular muscles. Common causes include sixth nerve palsy (limiting lateral gaze), third nerve palsy, or fourth nerve palsy. Requires neurological investigation in newly presenting cases.
Risk Factors
Signs & Symptoms
Assessment & Diagnosis
Diagnosis of strabismus requires a comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist or orthoptist. Early assessment is critical in children to prevent the development of amblyopia.
Treatment Options
Treatment of strabismus is tailored to the individual patient, their age, the type and degree of deviation, and whether amblyopia is present. A combination of treatments is often required.
Optical Correction (Glasses)
Glasses to correct refractive error, particularly hyperopia (long-sightedness). In accommodative esotropia, the correct glasses prescription may fully or substantially correct the inward eye turn without surgery.
Patching (Occlusion Therapy)
Covering the stronger eye with a patch to stimulate visual development in the weaker or deviating eye. Used primarily to treat associated amblyopia. Most effective during the critical period before age 7–8.
Prism Lenses
Prismatic lenses added to glasses can redirect light to compensate for the eye misalignment, helping to eliminate double vision in selected cases, particularly in adults with acquired strabismus.
Botulinum Toxin Injection
Injection of botulinum toxin (Botox) directly into an overacting eye muscle temporarily weakens it, allowing the opposing muscle to readjust alignment. May be used alone or alongside surgery in certain types of strabismus.
Vision Therapy
Structured eye exercises to improve binocular coordination and fusion, typically used in children with intermittent exotropia or convergence insufficiency alongside other treatments.
Strabismus Surgery
Surgical adjustment of the eye muscles to correct the alignment. Performed under general anaesthetic in children. Recommended when non-surgical treatment has not achieved adequate alignment or is unlikely to be sufficient.
Strabismus Surgery
For cases where glasses and other non-surgical treatment cannot achieve adequate alignment, specialist strabismus surgery is available at The Eye Doctor in Huddersfield.
Strabismus Surgery in Huddersfield
Precise surgical correction of eye muscle misalignment for children and adults. Consultant-led paediatric surgery under general anaesthetic, with comprehensive pre- and post-operative care.
Learn more about strabismus surgery →Strabismus FAQs
Strabismus, commonly known as a squint, is a condition in which the eyes are not properly aligned and do not point in the same direction. One eye may turn inward (esotropia), outward (exotropia), upward (hypertropia), or downward (hypotropia). The misalignment prevents both eyes from pointing at the same object simultaneously, which disrupts binocular vision (the ability of the brain to fuse images from both eyes into a single, 3D perception).
Yes. Strabismus affects approximately 3–5% of the paediatric population and is one of the most common eye conditions in children. It can also develop in adults following stroke, head injury, or thyroid eye disease. Any age can be affected, though most cases present in early childhood.
Strabismus results from an imbalance in the muscles controlling eye movement, or a problem with the nerve signals that coordinate these muscles. In children, causes include uncorrected hyperopia (long-sightedness), genetic factors, neurological conditions, or it may be idiopathic (no identifiable cause). In adults, acquired strabismus may result from stroke, head injury, thyroid eye disease, neurological conditions, or as a complication of other eye surgery.
These terms describe the direction of the eye turn. Esotropia is when the affected eye turns inward towards the nose — often called a convergent squint. Exotropia is when the eye turns outward away from the nose — often called a divergent squint. Hypertropia and hypotropia refer to upward and downward deviations respectively. Each type has different potential causes and may require different management strategies.
Strabismus is one of the most common causes of amblyopia (lazy eye) in children. When an eye is misaligned, the brain receives two different, misaligned images. To avoid double vision, the brain suppresses the image from the deviating eye. Over time, this suppression causes the visual pathways from that eye to weaken, resulting in permanently reduced vision (amblyopia) if not treated. This is why strabismus in children requires early assessment and management.
Where to Find Us
Three convenient locations across West Yorkshire. Visit us for consultations, diagnostics, and treatments.
Bolton
136 – 140 Newport St
Bolton, Greater Manchester
BL3 6AB
Huddersfield
Woodlands, 4 Longbow Close
Huddersfield, HD2 1GQ
Concerned About a Squint?
Early assessment is essential to protect vision and support visual development. Book a specialist eye examination at The Eye Doctor. Call +44 1484 627779 or book online.
