Strabismus: Causes, Assessment and Treatment Options

Strabismus, also called a squint, means the eyes do not consistently point in the same direction. It can begin in childhood or adulthood and may be constant or intermittent. A new squint or double vision in an adult requires prompt clinical assessment.

Possible causes and assessment

Causes vary and can involve eye-muscle control, focusing, vision difference between the eyes, nerve or neurological conditions, injury or previous surgery. Assessment may include visual acuity, refraction, eye alignment and movement, binocular vision and examination of eye health.

Treatment options

Treatment depends on age, cause and visual function. Options may include glasses, treatment for amblyopia, prisms, selected orthoptic exercises, botulinum toxin or eye-muscle surgery. Exercises are not appropriate for every type and cannot be promised to correct alignment.

Risks and expectations

Untreated childhood strabismus may affect visual development. Surgery can improve alignment but may leave under- or over-correction, double vision, scarring or need for further treatment. The plan should explain functional and appearance goals separately.

The NHS squint guide explains symptoms, causes, assessment and treatments.

Revitalize care checks

Confirm the named contracted ophthalmologist and hospital, diagnosis, alternatives, expected functional benefit, tests, written quotation, follow-up and complication plan. See Revitalize’s named doctors and assessment route.