What it is
It is usually picked up by routine eye checks in young children, as the child may not notice.
Treatment works best before the age of 7 and includes glasses, covering the stronger eye with a patch, or eye drops that blur the stronger eye.
Common signs
- Often no obvious signs
- An eye that turns in or out
- Covering one eye or squinting
- Tilting the head
- Clumsiness or poor judgement of distance
How it is usually diagnosed
- Eye tests by an orthoptist or optometrist
- Examination of the eyes
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Vision test results over time
- Glasses prescriptions
- Orthoptist and eye clinic letters
- Patching schedules
Questions to ask your doctor
- How many hours a day should my child wear the patch?
- How long will treatment take?
- How often do we need check-ups?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- A sudden squint or double vision, or a white reflection in the pupil on photos: get it checked urgently
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.