Evaluated and treated under Dr. Deepak Gandhi, Director of Gandhi Eye Centre, with clinical experience across cataract, glaucoma, cornea, retina and pediatric eye care.
View Doctor Profile →Squint, or strabismus, is a misalignment of the eyes where they do not both point in the same direction at the same time. It can occur in children or adults.
What Is It?
Squint (strabismus) occurs when the two eyes do not align in the same direction — one eye may turn inward, outward, upward or downward while the other looks straight ahead.
In children, untreated squint can be associated with amblyopia (lazy eye), where the brain begins to favour one eye over the other, so early evaluation matters. In adults, squint can develop or reappear due to other underlying causes and should also be assessed.
The underlying cause and best management approach differ between children and adults, and between constant and intermittent squints, which is why a full evaluation is needed before deciding on treatment.
Symptoms & Indications
Squint can be obvious in some cases and subtle in others, particularly if it is intermittent or only present at certain distances.
One eye appears to turn in, out, up or down compared to the other, either constantly or intermittently.
Children in particular may close or squint one eye in bright light as a way of managing double vision or misalignment.
Some children or adults adopt a head posture to compensate for the misalignment and see more clearly.
Adults who develop a new squint may notice double vision, which needs prompt evaluation to identify the cause.
Treatment Options
A detailed assessment of eye alignment, movement and refractive error to understand the type and cause of the squint.
Glasses, patching (for associated amblyopia) or exercises may be used depending on the type of squint found.
Eye muscle surgery may be recommended for squints that do not respond to non-surgical measures or are significant enough to need correction.
What To Expect
Squint assessment is tailored to the patient's age, since children and adults are evaluated somewhat differently.
Onset, pattern (constant vs intermittent) and any family history of squint or amblyopia are reviewed.
Eye alignment and eye movements are tested at different distances and gaze positions.
A full refraction is done, since correcting a refractive error with glasses can sometimes reduce or resolve certain squints, especially in children.
Based on findings, a plan — glasses, patching, exercises or referral for surgical evaluation — is discussed with the patient or parents.
Please note: Squint referred for possible surgery is evaluated on a case-by-case basis; some cases are best managed with glasses or observation instead. Age-appropriate, timely evaluation of childhood squint matters most for visual development.
Common Questions
Evaluated and treated under Dr. Deepak Gandhi, Director of Gandhi Eye Centre, with clinical experience across cataract, glaucoma, cornea, retina and pediatric eye care.
View Doctor Profile →For your child or yourself, book a squint and eye alignment evaluation at Gandhi Eye Centre, Faridabad.