Squint (strabismus) is when the two eyes don’t point in the same direction. One eye may turn in, out, up or down — all the time or only now and then. At Dr. Solanki Eye Hospital in Malleshwaram, we treat squint in children and adults with glasses, patching, eye exercises or squint surgery, depending on the cause and age.
Signs of squint to watch for
- One eye turns in, out, up or down — even only when tired or ill
- Your child tilts or turns the head to look at things
- Closing or covering one eye in bright light
- Double vision (more common in adults)
- Poor depth judgement — bumping into things, trouble catching a ball
Babies’ eyes can wander in the first 3–4 months. A turn that continues after that should be checked.
Why early treatment matters in children
A child’s brain learns to ignore the turned eye. If this goes on, that eye’s vision can stay weak for life — called a lazy eye (amblyopia). Treatment works best while the visual system is still developing, so we advise a check-up as soon as a squint is noticed.
How we treat squint
1. Full eye examination
Vision test, glasses power check with drops, eye-muscle movement and alignment tests, and a check of the back of the eye.
2. Glasses
Some squints, especially inward turns in children, are caused by long-sightedness. The right glasses alone can straighten them.
3. Patching or eye drops for lazy eye
Covering the stronger eye for set hours each day makes the brain use the weaker eye.
4. Eye exercises (orthoptics)
Useful for some squints that appear only for near work, such as convergence insufficiency.
5. Squint surgery
When the turn stays despite glasses and patching, surgery tightens or loosens the eye muscles to realign the eyes. It is usually a day-care procedure. In adults, surgery can also ease double vision and improve appearance.
Squint treatment FAQs
At what age can squint be treated?
At any age. Children get the best vision results when treated early, but adults also benefit — especially for double vision and alignment.
Will my child grow out of a squint?
A true squint does not go away on its own after early infancy. Waiting can lead to a lazy eye, so get it checked.
Is squint surgery painful?
Surgery is done under anaesthesia. Mild soreness and redness for a few days afterwards is normal and is managed with eye drops.
How long is recovery after squint surgery?
Most patients go home the same day. Children usually return to school within about a week; your doctor will advise based on your case.
Does squint surgery mean my child won’t need glasses?
Not always. Surgery corrects alignment; glasses may still be needed for clear vision.
Book a squint check-up
Dr. Solanki Eye Hospital, 191/1 Link Road, 2nd Cross, Malleshwaram, Bengaluru 560003. Call 080 2356 2299 or WhatsApp us. Open Mon–Sat 9 am–6 pm, Sun 9 am–2 pm.
