---
title: "Squint (strabismus) | Eye Health Guide"
description: "What a squint is, why the eyes become misaligned, how it can affect children's vision, and the glasses, exercises and surgery used to treat it."
url: https://eyehealthguide.org/conditions/squint/
source: Eye Health Guide
licence: "General information only. Cite the URL and the named medical reviewer."
---

Condition

# Squint (strabismus)

Medical reviewer [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/mohamed-mohyudin/)· Last recorded site review July 6, 2026

### About this review

This page inherits the site’s previous review record. A separate, current article sign-off has not yet been recorded.

[How review works](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/) · [Official biography & credentials](https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/author/mohamed-mohyudin/)

Quick answer

A squint, or strabismus, is where the eyes point in different directions, with one eye turning in, out, up or down. It is common in children and is treatable, and it can also develop in adults. Treatment may include glasses, eye exercises, patching, or surgery to align the eyes.

### On this page ⌄

1. Your next step
2. What it is
3. Common symptoms
4. Causes and risk factors
5. Treatment
6. Related conditions
7. Related symptoms
8. Practical guides
9. Treatments & Surgery
10. Frequently asked questions

## What it is

A squint is a misalignment of the eyes, so they do not look in the same direction at the same time. It is common in young children. In children the brain may learn to ignore the image from the turning eye, which can lead to amblyopia, while in adults a new squint often causes double vision.

## Common symptoms

A squint may be constant or come and go, for example when tired.

- One eye turning in, out, up or down
- Eyes that do not appear to move together
- Double vision, especially in adults
- A child screwing up the eyes or turning their head to look

## Causes and risk factors

A squint can be present from birth or develop later. It can be linked to long-sightedness, problems with the eye muscles or the nerves controlling them, a family history, or other underlying conditions. A new squint in an adult should be assessed promptly.

## Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and age. It may include glasses to correct long-sightedness, patching to treat any associated lazy eye, eye exercises, and surgery to adjust the eye muscles and align the eyes. Treating children early gives the best results for vision.

## Related conditions

## Related symptoms

## Practical guides

## Treatments & Surgery

## Frequently asked questions

### Can a squint be treated?

Yes. Depending on the cause, treatment may include glasses, patching for an associated lazy eye, eye exercises, or surgery to align the eyes. Early treatment in children gives the best results.

### Is a squint just a cosmetic problem?

No. In children a squint can affect vision development and lead to a lazy eye, and in adults it can cause double vision, so it is worth having assessed rather than treating it as cosmetic only.

### Should a new squint in an adult be checked?

Yes. A squint that appears suddenly in an adult, especially with double vision, should be assessed promptly, as it can occasionally signal an underlying problem that needs attention.

Your next step

## Take this to your appointment

Write down what has changed, when it started, your current medicines and the questions you want answered. Take these to your eye-care appointment.

Sudden loss of sight, severe eye pain or a dark curtain across vision needs immediate assessment. Do not wait to complete a worksheet.

## Further reading from our medical reviewer

[Mr Mohyudin on children’s eye care ↗](https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/treatments/paediatric-ophthalmology/)

These links take you to Mr Mohyudin’s UK private-practice website. Treatment availability and care pathways vary by country.

## Sources for this information

These references support the information on this page. Follow the linked source for its full context.

- [NHS - Squint](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/squint/)