Squint Eye Exercises – Best Techniques to Improve Eye Alignment

Squint eye, also known as strabismus, is a condition in which the eyes do not align properly. It can affect people of all ages, from infants to adults. Squint eye can lead to double vision, blurred vision, and difficulty focusing. In some cases, it can also cause self-consciousness and affect a person’s self-esteem. Fortunately, there are squint eye exercises that can help improve eye alignment and reduce squinting. In this blog, we will explore 6 techniques to improve eye alignment and alleviate the symptoms of squint eyes.

Understanding Squint Eye

Squint is an eye condition that typically appears in childhood, it can occur at any age in some specific conditions and is brought on by an eye synchronization issue. This condition causes the eyes not to align appropriately, meaning that both the eyes move in a different direction. Our eyes are supported and maintained in excellent working order by six muscles. They also significantly influence how your eyes move. Crossed or asymmetrical eyes may occur from their inability to coordinate with one another. This condition causes the eyes not to align appropriately, meaning that both the eyes move in a different direction. The national prevalence of squint is 5.4 percent which means out of the 130 crore population, 7.02 crore people have squint and strangely most of them are not aware of whether it is Curable or Not.

For most of us “Squint Eyes” means deviation of eye but the truth is SQUINT IS NOT JUST DEVIATION but also blindness of one eye at a point of time. Let us understand this further. Our precious pair of eyes are designed to work together and are oriented parallel. When we look at an object both our eyes see that object at the same time and thus a binocular image is formed. In squinting, the eyes do not work synchronously. Since the eyes are not oriented parallel, at a given point of time both our eyes see two different objects rather than seeing a single object. Our brain gets confused and cancels out the image formed by the squinted eye. So we can say that the squinted eye is technically blind. 

It’s possible for one of your eyes to be fixed in one place while the other is moving in the opposite direction. This could provide two different picture signals to your brain, confounding it. Your neurological system may be compelled to disregard signals from the inferior eye as a result, which could result in vision problems, sometimes known as “lazy eyes,” which is another eye condition. Further, such a patient has defective binocular single vision as well can be understood as fine depth perception. This is the reason why a person with untreated squint is not suitable for certain professions for eg. Aviation, surgeon etc. These days most of the entrance examinations for various professions also include medical tests where detailed vision analysis is done. 

One common MYTH is that squint will be corrected on its own with the child’s growth but sadly this is far from the truth. Another MYTH is that squint is a permanent condition and cannot be corrected. But the truth is that eyes can be straightened at any age. 

The TRUTH is depending on the cause and severity of the condition, SQUINT IS CURABLE using nonsurgical and surgical treatments. The treatment must begin as early as possible for best chances of improvement.

You can also read the blog Squint in Children here.

Causes of Squint Eye

There are several factors that can contribute to the development of squint eyes. Some common causes include:

Muscle imbalance: Squint eye can occur when there is an imbalance in the muscles that control eye movement. This can be present from birth or develop later in life.

Family history: Squint eye can run in families, suggesting a genetic component to the condition.

Refractive errors: Uncorrected nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism can cause the eyes to become misaligned.

Eye injury or trauma: Damage to the eye muscles or nerves can lead to squint eyes.

Neurological conditions: Certain neurological conditions, such as cerebral palsy or stroke, can affect the coordination of the eye muscles.

You can also read about How to deal with Squint in Adults

Symptoms of Squint Eye

The most obvious symptom of squint eyes is the misalignment of the eyes. However, there are other symptoms that may be associated with the condition, including:

Double vision: The brain may receive conflicting visual signals from the misaligned eyes, resulting in double vision.

Blurred vision: Squint eye can cause blurred vision in the affected eye.

Headaches: The strain on the eye muscles can lead to headaches, especially after prolonged periods of reading or focusing.

Eye fatigue: The eyes may feel tired or strained due to the extra effort required to align the eyes.

Poor depth perception: Squint eye can affect depth perception, making it difficult to judge distances accurately.

If you or your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Who Is At Risk of Suffering From Strabismus?

Many of you might be wondering if you are at risk of developing a squint eye, right? Well, you can say that toddlers and infants are most frequently affected by Strabismus because of hereditary factors, hypermetropia or issues with physical growth. The majority of instances in youngsters are brought on by inadequate interaction between the brain, visual muscles, and nerves. But, this doesn’t mean that once you grow up, you can’t suffer from Strabismus, as it can also happen to individuals who have had a stroke, a concussion, or diabetes. If neglected, the disorder can result in double vision, a lack of depth awareness, and possibly vision loss.

Squint Eye Exercise to Try

There are several exercises that can help improve eye alignment in individuals with squint eyes. These squint eye exercises can be done at home or with the guidance of a vision therapist.

Pencil Pushups

Pencil pushups are an excellent squint eye exercise for adults and kids. It helps you focus both your eyes on one single object. The best part about it is that it’s pretty easy to perform. All you need to do is begin by extending your arm and holding a pencil at a distance with its point facing away from you. Your attention should be drawn to a letter or number on the side. You need to drag the pencil toward your nose’s bridge slowly. Keep doing this with focus but not after your sight becomes fuzzy.

Brock String

Swiss ophthalmologist Frederick Brock created this exercise to enhance eye coordination and it is one of the best eye exercises for crossed eyes. You’ll need three different coloured pearls on a thread or string approximately five feet long. Attach the thread’s one end to a fixed object, such as a seat back or a railing. The pearls should be evenly spaced apart. Clamp the thread’s opposite end firmly against your nose.

As you move your attention from pearl to pearl, you ought to notice a recurring pattern. The pearl you are observing will show up on its own at the point where two similar threads cross, along with duplicates of the other pearls to create an X. If you notice the threads overlapping in front of the pearl or behind the pearl, your eyes are not properly focused on the pearl. Make sure the X is available at all pearls except the last one. You can continue the activity by moving the pearls around on the thread.

Barrel Cards

Barrel cards is yet another exercise to reduce squint eyes and is a concentration method, just like the other two we mentioned above. You need to draw three barrels on each card. On one side of the card, draw the barrels in red color, and on the other, draw them in green. The barrels come in small, medium, and big sizes as well. With the smallest barrel closest to you, you have to hold the card against the bridge of your nose. The card must be vertical for one eye to view the red barrels and the other to see the green barrels.

Concentrate on the barrel that is furthest from your nose. The red and green barrels should merge to create a single image. Maintain your attention there for 5 seconds, then move it to the centre circle. Retain your concentration for five seconds when you notice that the coloured barrels have merged into one image. Once you’ve completed all three sizes of barrels, continue this procedure for the closest barrels.

There are myriads of types of vision issues you can suffer from, and one of them is squint eyes or crossed eyes. It has various other names like lazy eyes and Strabismus. If you or your kid is suffering from crossed eyes, you don’t have to worry much as you can get rid of it. Don’t wait and watch consult with an expert pediatric ophthalmologist for management of squint earliest.

How Is Squint Eye Diagnosed?

Diagnosing squint eyes involves a comprehensive eye examination. The eye care professional will assess the alignment of the eyes and evaluate the eye muscles. They may also perform additional tests, such as measuring visual acuity, checking for refractive errors, and assessing binocular vision. The diagnosis of squint eye is based on the presence of eye misalignment and the underlying cause. Once diagnosed, appropriate treatment options can be discussed.

How Is Squint Eye Treated?

Treatment ranges from glasses to occlusion therapy, surgeries and eye exercises after surgeries but it needs to be done in a particular sequence, in particular time period- Critical time of visual development – till 7 years of age for best results in children and most importantly under the guidance of an expert strabismologist. So, treatment options can be

• Only glasses
• Only Surgery
• Glasses with Surgery
• Convergence and vergence exercise after Surgery 
• Occlusion therapy tO prevent lazy eyes and double vision
• Botulinum toxin injection in patients with acquired squint due to nerve paralysis. 

If it is not treated on time it could cause lazy eye (amblyopia), loss of binocular single vision. With lazy eye vision will be variably lesser in the affected eye. Only straight alignment of eyes can be achieved at any age.

You can also read on Paediatric Ophthalmology and Squint Treatment here

Squint Eye Complications & Risk

If left untreated, squint eye can lead to several complications and risks, including:

Amblyopia: Also known as lazy eye, amblyopia can occur when the brain ignores the signals from the misaligned eye, leading to reduced vision in that eye.

Binocular vision problems: Squint eye can affect the ability to use both eyes together, resulting in problems with depth perception and coordination.

Psychological impact: Squint eye can cause self-consciousness and affect a person’s self-esteem, especially in children.

Social challenges: The misalignment of the eyes can sometimes lead to difficulties with social interactions and activities.

Early diagnosis and treatment can help minimize these complications and improve overall visual health.

Conclusion

Squint eye is a condition that affects the alignment of the eyes and can cause visual disturbances and self-consciousness. In this blog, we have explored 6 techniques to improve eye alignment, including best squint eye exercises that can be done at home. Remember to consult with an eye care professional to determine the best treatment approach for your specific needs. By taking proactive steps, you can enhance your visual health and overall well-being.

Why Choose Centre For Sight?

Choosing Centre For Sight for squint eye treatment ensures you receive expert care from highly skilled Eye Specialists and orthoptists with extensive experience in strabismus treatment. They provide comprehensive, personalized care, combining the latest advancements in eye care with a holistic approach that includes thorough assessments and tailored exercise regimens, as well as non-surgical and surgical treatment options to ensure the best possible outcomes.

FAQs

What are squint eyes (strabismus)?

Squint eyes, or strabismus, is a condition where the eyes do not properly align with each other when looking at an object.

What are the different types of squint eyes?

Squint eyes can be classified into different types, including esotropia (inward turning), exotropia (outward turning), hypertropia (upward turning), and hypotropia (downward turning).

Can squint be corrected with exercise?

In some cases, particularly mild ones, eye exercises can help improve alignment.

How can I stop squinting?

Consult an eye specialist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, which may include exercises, glasses, or other therapies.

What are the treatment options for squint eyes?

Treatments include glasses or contact lenses, vision therapy, prisms, botox injections, and surgery (if non-surgical methods are ineffective).

How often should I perform these eye exercises?

Frequency depends on the specific exercise program prescribed by an eye specialist, typically ranging from daily to several times a week.

What are the common symptoms of squint eyes?

Common symptoms include misaligned eyes, double vision, eye strain, headaches, and difficulty with depth perception.