Squint
A squint (strabismus, say: struh-BIZ-mus) means the two eyes do not point the same way. One may turn in, out, up or down. It can come and go. A squint is not a sign of bad luck and will not go away by itself. If it is not treated, the child may start to ignore the picture from the turned eye.
Lazy eye
This is called amblyopia (say: am-blee-OH-pee-uh). The eye is healthy, but the brain does not learn to use it well, because it got a blurry picture in early childhood. It can come from a squint, or from a big difference in glasses power between the two eyes. It responds best when treated young, and the window slowly narrows as a child grows.
Glasses
Many children need glasses. We test with drops that relax the eye, which gives a true reading. The drops sting briefly and blur sight for some hours.
Bring your child if you notice
- One eye turns, or the eyes look in different directions.
- Frequent eye rubbing, squeezing, or head tilting.
- Sitting very close to the TV or holding books near.
- Headaches or tired eyes, falling behind in school, or a white spot in the pupil.
Honest risks
- Glasses and patches: skin irritation from a patch, and a child may resist them at first.
- Squint surgery: double vision for a time, the eye not fully straight, or a need for another operation. Infection and bleeding are rare.
- Call us at once if: after surgery the eye is very red, painful, discharging, or sight worsens.