Strabismus (Squint)

Straightening the Eyes — in Children and Adults

Strabismus — commonly known as a squint — is a condition in which the eyes do not point in the same direction at the same time. One eye may turn inward, outward, upward, or downward while the other looks straight ahead. In children, it can lead to amblyopia — permanent reduction in vision in the turned eye — if not treated promptly. In adults, it can cause double vision and significant problems with appearance and confidence. At RGC Eye Hospital, our strabismus specialists treat both children and adults with the expertise and care this condition demands.

What Causes Strabismus?

Strabismus occurs when the muscles that control eye movement are not working together correctly. In children, this is often related to a refractive error — particularly long-sightedness — or to a difference in vision between the two eyes. In adults, it may develop as a result of a nerve palsy, thyroid eye disease, trauma, or neurological conditions. In some patients, the cause remains unclear. Regardless of the cause, early and accurate diagnosis is essential for the best outcome.

Types of Strabismus We Treat

• Esotropia — one eye turning inward (the most common type in children)
• Exotropia — one eye turning outward
• Hypertropia — one eye turning upward
• Hypotropia — one eye turning downward
• Intermittent strabismus — a squint that comes and goes
• Paralytic strabismus — caused by weakness or paralysis of one or more eye muscles

Treatment Options

Glasses

In children whose squint is driven by a refractive error — particularly long-sightedness — glasses alone may correct the misalignment entirely or significantly. This is always the first step when a refractive component is identified.

Patching (Amblyopia Treatment)

If amblyopia has developed in the turned eye, patching the stronger eye forces the weaker eye to work and can significantly improve its vision before surgical correction is considered.

Botulinum Toxin Injection

In selected cases, an injection of botulinum toxin into one of the eye muscles can temporarily weaken it and allow the eyes to straighten. This can be a useful treatment in its own right or a way of assessing the likely outcome of surgical correction.

Strabismus Surgery

Surgery to correct the alignment of the eyes involves adjusting the tension of the eye muscles — weakening some and strengthening others — to bring the eyes into the correct position. It is performed under general anaesthesia in children and under local or general anaesthesia in adults, and is a day procedure in most cases.

Why Patients Trust RGC Eye Hospital

• Specialist strabismus care for patients of all ages — from infants to adults
• A thorough assessment that addresses both the alignment and the vision in each eye
• Experienced strabismus surgeons with a track record of achieving good alignment outcomes
• Careful follow-up to monitor alignment, vision, and the need for any further treatment