Overview
A squint is when the two eyes do not point in the same direction — one may turn in, out, up or down. It is common in children and important to catch early, because if the brain starts ignoring the image from the misaligned eye, that eye can become permanently weak (a lazy eye). Treatment may include glasses, eye exercises, patching or surgery. In adults a new squint with double vision needs prompt checking, as it can signal a nerve or brain problem.
Symptoms
- Eyes that appear to point in different directions
- One eye turning in, out, up or down
- A child tilting or turning the head to see
- Double vision, especially in adults
- A lazy, weaker eye if left untreated
When to see a doctor
See an eye doctor early for any childhood squint to protect vision, and promptly for a new squint or double vision in an adult.
Emergency — call 108 or go to the nearest hospital
- A sudden new squint or double vision in an adult, especially with headache, weakness or drooping — seek urgent care, it may signal a nerve or brain problem
Causes
An imbalance in the eye muscles or how the brain controls them; also uncorrected long-sightedness in children, and nerve problems in new adult squints.