Squint is a condition characterized by abnormal alignment of the eyes, so that instead of appearing straight, the eyes may look turned inwards or outwards.

The most common cause of squint is an error in refraction i.e requirement for glasses. Other causes are certain eye disorders which reduce vision especially in childhood like congenital cataract, corneal opacity or retinal diseases.

Amblyopia or lazy eye : Presence of a refractive error which is not corrected or a large difference in number between the two eyes in childhood may lead to a lazy eye. When glasses are not worn the eye remains out of focus and thus becomes a lazy eye.

Assessment : involves accurate refraction. Children are examined after instillation of cycloplegic drops. Screening for other eye pathology like retinal examination is carried out. The degree of squint is assessed by taking measurements with prisms.

Treatment : involves

• Correction of refractive error by wearing glasses and regular checkup every 6 months.
  
  
• Lazy eye or amblyopia can be treated before the age of 8 years by occlusion. The better eye is patched a few hours every day so that the weaker eye is forcibly used for all activities and develops better vision.
  
  
• Surgery: is performed on the eye muscles to correct misalignment and make the eyes straight. It can be done under local or general anaesthesia. Second operation may be required in some patients. The surgery itself does not improve vision but only corrects the eye position.