What is a Squint (Strabismus)?
Squint [Strabismus] is a condition in which there is a misalignment of the eyes. In other words, the two eyes are pointed in different directions. One eye may be looking straight ahead while the other is turned inward, outward, upward or downward. Muscles of the eye control movements of the eye. If one muscle is stronger than the other, the eye will be turned towards that direction. This is how a squint is formed. To treat this, one has to weaken the stronger muscle and strengthen the weaker muscle.
What causes squints in adults?
Most adults with squints have had the condition since childhood. However, strabismus can also begin in adulthood due to medical problems, such as
- Thyroid disease (Graves’ disease)
- Myasthenia gravis
- Brain tumors
- Head trauma
Occasionally, misalignment of the eyes can also occur after surgery on or around the eye, such as cataract surgery or retinal surgery. This is due to damage to the eye muscles during surgery.