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What is Paediatric Ophthalmology and Squint Surgery?
Paediatric Ophthalmology is a specialized branch of eye care dedicated to diagnosing and managing eye conditions in children—from birth through adolescence. Children's eyes are still developing, making early detection and timely treatment crucial for preserving vision and preventing long-term complications. This field addresses a wide range of visual problems, including refractive errors (need for glasses), amblyopia (lazy eye), congenital cataracts, eye infections, blocked tear ducts, and most notably, squint (also called strabismus).
Squint is a condition where the eyes are misaligned and do not look in the same direction. It can affect one or both eyes and may be constant or occasional. If left untreated, squint can lead to amblyopia, poor depth perception, and cosmetic concerns, affecting a child’s confidence and development.
Most Common Types of Squint
- Esotropia – inward turning of the eye
- Exotropia – outward drifting of the eye
- Hypertropia – upward deviation
- Hypotropia – downward deviation
Each type requires a tailored approach to diagnosis and treatment.
Signs and Symptoms of a Squint
Parents should watch for:
- One eye appearing misaligned
- Eyes not moving together
- Head tilting or turning to focus
- Frequent eye rubbing or blinking
- Difficulty in focusing or reading
- Complaints of double vision
Early signs can be subtle, so routine eye checkups are highly recommended.
Causes of Squint (Strabismus)
Squint can occur due to:
- Muscle imbalance controlling eye movement
- Uncorrected refractive errors
- Genetic or congenital conditions
- Neurological issues or trauma
- Prematurity or developmental delays
In some cases, the cause may remain unclear.
Diagnosis of Squint
A thorough eye exam by a paediatric ophthalmologist involves:
- Visual acuity testing
- Refraction to check for glasses power
- Eye alignment and motility tests
- Screening for amblyopia or underlying disorders
Treatment Options for Squint
Management depends on the cause and severity:
- Glasses for vision correction
- Patching to treat lazy eye
- Eye exercises for coordination
- Squint surgery to realign eye muscles
- Botulinum toxin injections in selected cases
Right ages of eye check up in children
- Newborn screening: Basic eye exam at birth, especially for premature babies.
- 6 months: First comprehensive eye check-up.
- 3-4 years: Vision screening to detect refractive errors, amblyopia, or squint.
- Before starting school (5-6 years): Ensure optimal vision for learning.
Every 1-2 years thereafter, or as advised by your ophthalmologist.
Right age of squint surgery
- Squint surgery can be performed as early as 1–2 years of age, depending on the type and severity of the misalignment.
- Earlier surgery is usually recommended for congenital or constant squints, especially if vision development is at risk.
- The goal is to achieve proper alignment and visual development before the critical age of visual maturity (around 8 years).
Benefits of early squint surgery
- Prevents lazy eye (amblyopia) and supports normal visual development.
- Enhances depth perception and binocular vision.
- Improves cosmetic appearance, boosting the child’s confidence and social interaction.
- Reduces the need for more complex procedures later in life.
- Leads to better long-term eye coordination and visual outcomes.
How Eyeheal helps?
At our centre, we offer compassionate and comprehensive eye care for children, ensuring both clear vision and confident smiles. Early diagnosis leads to better outcomes, book an evaluation if you notice anything unusual in your child’s vision or eye alignment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
What are some common eye problems treated by paediatric ophthalmologists?
Paediatric ophthalmologists treat conditions like squint (strabismus), lazy eye (amblyopia), refractive errors, congenital cataracts, and eye infections or allergies. Early treatment helps prevent long-term vision issues.
What are some common indicators that signal the need for visiting a paediatric ophthalmologist?
If your child squints, sits too close to the TV, rubs eyes often, complains of headaches, or has misaligned eyes, it’s time to visit a paediatric ophthalmologist. Regular checkups are also recommended, even without symptoms.