Strabismus is characterised by the fact that the eyes (one or both) can turn inwards, outwards, upwards or downwards. It is also known as ‘wandering eye’ or ‘strabismus’.
Children over the age of six months can have a common form of squint that comes and goes. This type of squint may be normal but requires an ophthalmological examination.
Some children are born with strabismus, but it can also be the result ofpoor muscle strength in the eyes.
Signs and symptoms of strabismus can include a child with squinty eyes, an inability to judge distance and pick up objects correctly, closing one eye to see better or dizziness.
Early diagnosis of the underlying problem is essential to prevent vision loss. Strabismus can be treated in a number of ways: masking the stronger eye to increase vision and encourage development of the weaker eye, wearing glasses, eye drops, surgery to straighten the eyes, or eye ‘gymnastics’ exercises.