# Strabismus in Children and Infants

Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/treatments/strabismus-in-children-and-infants

**Author:** Kudret Eye İstanbul | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Nail Sönmez | **Date:** 2026-09-11

> **Summary:** Strabismus (squint) is a condition in which the eyes look in different directions, and it is one of the most common eye problems in children under 6. Treatment with glasses, eye exercises or surgery on the eye muscles depends on the cause; early diagnosis prevents lazy eye and lasting vision problems.

## Quick Facts
- **Most Affected:** Children under 6 years of age
- **Usually Recognised:** In the first 3-6 months
- **Surgery Age:** Usually possible from 1-2 years of age
- **Surgery Anaesthesia (children):** General anaesthetic

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## What Is Strabismus?
One eye looks straight while the other turns inwards, outwards, upwards or downwards, because the muscles that hold the eyes do not work in harmony. Most childhood squints are genetic and congenital; a family history raises the risk. It can also follow falls, bumps or eye injuries, muscle control disorders, premature birth or visual defects.

## Symptoms
- Eyes pointing in different directions.
- Eye movements not working together.
- Headache or eye strain.
- Blurred vision.
- Double vision.

## Does a Squint Correct Itself?
- In newborns the eyes may drift occasionally in the first 3 to 4 months and at that stage it usually settles on its own.
- A squint that continues beyond the fourth month, or is constant, is not expected to resolve by itself and should be seen by an eye doctor.
- A wide nasal bridge can create a pseudo-squint that needs no treatment; only an examination can tell it from a true squint, so if in doubt it is better to be examined than to wait.

## Diagnosis
- Direction and degree of the turn are measured.
- Visual acuity of each eye is checked separately.
- The pupil is widened with drops to measure refractive error and decide on glasses.
- Eye movements are assessed; advanced imaging is sometimes used.
- Amblyopia (lazy eye) is looked for, since it may accompany a squint.

## Treatment
- **Glasses or contact lenses:** Some squints, especially those caused by refractive errors, correct with glasses alone.
- **Eye exercises:** Strengthen eye muscles and improve coordination.
- **Amblyopia treatment:** Done first if present.
- **Surgery:** Adjusts the position of the eye muscles to remove the turn, when glasses and other treatments are not enough. In children it is done under general anaesthetic; the eye is not removed, the work is on the muscles at its surface. Glasses and patching may continue afterwards, since surgery corrects the turn but does not on its own complete visual development.

Untreated, a squint can lead to lazy eye, impaired depth perception and permanent vision problems.

## Risks of Surgery
The surgery does not enter the eye and its risks are low; most effects are temporary.
- **Redness and mild soreness:** First 1-2 weeks, settle with drops.
- **Temporary double vision:** First days, especially in adults; usually gone within days or weeks.
- **Under or over correction:** Corrected with glasses, prisms or, if needed, another operation.
- **Infection:** Very rare; prevented with prescribed drops and hygiene.

## Price
The price depends on the underlying cause and the operation; the plan is set individually after a detailed examination.

## About the Hospital
Over 24 years in eye care, three eye hospitals and a general hospital, specialist surgeons for each treatment, and lifetime aftercare.

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## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Why does strabismus occur?**
A: Genetic predisposition, muscle control disorders, premature birth, trauma or visual defects.

**Q: When is strabismus noticeable in babies?**
A: Usually in the first 3-6 months. Intermittent deviation in the first 3 to 4 months can be normal; deviation that continues beyond the fourth month or is constant should be seen by an eye doctor.

**Q: Is strabismus genetic?**
A: It can run in families; a parent or close relative with strabismus raises the child's risk.

**Q: What happens if it is not treated?**
A: Lazy eye, impaired depth perception and permanent vision problems may develop. Early intervention increases treatment success.

**Q: Do glasses help?**
A: Yes, especially when the squint is caused by refractive error; correct focus can reduce the turn.

**Q: When is surgery necessary?**
A: When the squint does not respond to glasses or other treatments and the eye muscles need surgical correction. It can usually be done from 1-2 years of age.

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## References
- Squint, NHS
- Strabismus, American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus