Strabismus (Squint) Correction

If you are experiencing problems with your eye position, such as one eye turning in or out, you may need to be referred to an ophthalmologist at a hospital for diagnosis and treatment of strabismus. Strabismus is a condition where the eyes do not line up properly and cannot focus on the same object at the same time. This can cause problems with depth perception and can affect your ability to see clearly. It can result in your brain "turning off " the message from one eye, and loss of vision in that eye (amblyopia). 

If you are referred to an ophthalmologist for assessment of strabismus, they will conduct a series of tests to diagnose the condition and determine the best course of treatment. Treatment options for strabismus may include prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses, eye exercises, or in some cases, surgery. 

It is important to get diagnosed and treated for strabismus as early as possible to prevent the condition from worsening and causing further damage to your eyesight. Your ophthalmologist will work with you to create a personalised treatment plan and monitor your progress throughout the treatment period. With the right treatment, it is possible to improve your eye alignment and your vision and prevent long-term damage to your eyes. 

At Blackrock Health, we have earned a long-standing reputation for excellence in private medical and surgical care. This includes the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the eye, ear, nose, and throat, for both adults and children. We have a renowned team of consultants, and we use the latest techniques and technologies. This means we can aim to provide you with a fast, accurate diagnoses and an effective and tailored treatment plan. Our team provides you with the highest standards of care and support - throughout your journey to better health.  

Ophthalmology is the study and treatment of eye disorders. Our ophthalmology team treats all eye conditions. Our team will look after you throughout your diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. 

As a Blackrock Health patient, you will be cared for by our team of consultant ophthalmologists and consultant ophthalmic surgeons. All our consultants offer care and expertise in their own specialties and continue to lead research in vision sciences. Many of our eye specialists also consult in major teaching hospitals. 

The team includes:

• Consultant ophthalmologists 

• Consultant ophthalmic surgeons 

• Ophthalmic clinical nurse specialists 

• Ophthalmic technicians 

• Optometrists 

Please note that we do not offer an emergency service for eye health issues. If you have the following symptoms, you should call 112 or 999: 

• Sudden or severe eye pain 

• Loss of sight 

• Lots of flashing lights 

• Chemicals in your eye 

• Severe eye trauma 

What is Strabismus?

Strabismus “Squint” is a misalignment of the eye muscles so that the two eyes are orientated in different directions. Strabismus may be caused by optical defocusing or weak eye muscles and treatment depends on the cause. Eyes may be turned inwards called Esotropia or outwards called Exotropia. It is most common in children, occurring in 4% of children and if left untreated can result in loss of vision in the deviating eye. 

Strabismus may occur in infancy, later in childhood or in adulthood. Strabismus occurring in adults for the first time may be associated with other diseases including diabetes, thyroid disease, and high blood pressure to name but a few. 

Poor vision in children can lead to poor performance in school, difficulty learning, low self-esteem, and poor socialisation skills. Correction of strabismus, with glasses or surgery, improves self-image and confidence in both children and adults. 

Treatment of strabismus: 

• Glasses.  

• Eye exercises.  

• Eye patch.  

• Surgery.  

• Injections in the eye muscle.