{"id":5324,"date":"2018-01-15T06:15:23","date_gmt":"2018-01-15T06:15:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eyecliniclondon.com\/?p=2260"},"modified":"2025-03-28T01:37:56","modified_gmt":"2025-03-28T01:37:56","slug":"eye-specialist-parents-not-leave-childs-squint-untreated","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.eyecliniclondon.com\/blog\/eye-specialist-parents-not-leave-childs-squint-untreated\/","title":{"rendered":"Why parents should not leave their child\u2019s squint untreated"},"content":{"rendered":"

Squint In Children: Why Treatment Is Necessary<\/h1>\n

Squint or strabismus is a common condition that usually occurs in young children before they reach preschool age. According to Patient, an online health platform, it affects about 1 in 20 children in the U.K<\/a>. A squint develops when the child\u2019s eye muscles don\u2019t work together properly in a way that prevents the eyes from looking in the same direction. One eye may look straight ahead, while the other could point inwards, outwards, upwards or downwards.<\/p>\n

One costly mistake you can make as a parent is leave squint untreated. Although some children can learn to adapt in due time, strabismus is far from a simple cosmetic issue it appears to be. It can have a significant impact on your child\u2019s health and wellbeing, too. Early correction with help from an eye specialist<\/a> in London or elsewhere can help children avoid problems caused by squint.<\/p>\n

Amblyopia<\/h3>\n

Children with untreated strabismus are at high risk of developing amblyopia or lazy eye. This occurs when the visual pathway doesn\u2019t develop correctly in one eye due to lack of use during early childhood. Vision in one eye is blurred and cannot be corrected by wearing glasses or contact lenses. Once it sets in as well, amblyopia will persist for life.<\/p>\n

Diplopia<\/h3>\n

Impaired binocular vision or double vision is one of the defining characteristics of squint. Since the two eyes don\u2019t focus on the same point, the brain combines the signals from two eyes. In turn, a child will have difficulty seeing properly in three dimensions or sensing depths when looking at objects. Children below 7 usually don\u2019t experience diplopia since the brain at this stage tends to ignore the signals and images coming from the squinting eye.<\/p>\n

Loss of 3-Dimensional Vision<\/h3>\n

To properly view three-dimensional objects, the brain must use images from both eyes that are looking at the same point. This ability, known as stereopsis, helps you to navigate, mobilise, judge depth and coordinate fine movements. Having strabismus in early childhood may cause one to lose stereopsis or not develop this ability at all. Misaligned eyes will make you see two different images to the point that it leaves you unable to appreciate 3D.<\/p>\n

Fortunately, treating squint will prevent and resolve these problems. There are also plenty of vision correction options available, including prescription glasses, surgery, injections into the eye muscles and eye exercises. Specialists from practices, such as Eye Clinic London, will recommend a treatment based on the type of strabismus your child has.<\/p>\n

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