What it is
It is important to treat a squint in children early, as it can lead to a lazy eye.
Treatment may include glasses, eye patches or drops to improve vision in the weaker eye, eye exercises and sometimes surgery to realign the eyes.
Common signs
- Eyes that look in different directions
- Double vision, especially in adults
- Closing or covering one eye
- Tilting or turning the head to see
- Poor vision in one eye
How it is usually diagnosed
- Eye tests by an orthoptist or optometrist
- Examination by an eye specialist
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Orthoptic and eye test reports
- Glasses prescriptions
- Patching plans
- Surgery notes
Questions to ask your doctor
- Does my child need glasses or patching?
- How long will treatment take?
- Would surgery help?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- A sudden squint or double vision in an adult, especially with headache or weakness: get urgent help, call 112
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.