Squint

• Parents are often the first to notice something is not quite right. Common signs include:
• One eye that visibly turns in a different direction, either all the time or only when the child is tired or unwell.
• A child who squints or closes one eye in bright light.
• Complaints of double vision, particularly in older children or adults.
• Difficulty judging distances - bumping into objects, struggling with steps, or poor hand-eye coordination.
• Tilting or turning the head to one side to get a clearer view.
• Eye fatigue or headaches after near work, such as reading.

Squints are classified according to the direction in which the affected eye turns:

• Esotropia — the eye turns inward, towards the nose. This is the most common type in young children.
• Exotropia — the eye turns outward. This may be intermittent initially, becoming more constant over time.
• Hypertropia — the eye turns upward.
• Hypotropia — the eye turns downward.

We recommend an ophthalmology review for:

• Any child whose eyes appear misaligned beyond the age of three months.
• Children with a family history of squint, amblyopia, or childhood eye surgery.
• Children who have been prescribed glasses and are not wearing them consistently.
• Adults who develop double vision, a new squint, or a change in existing eye alignment.
• Anyone with a neurological condition associated with eye movement problems.
• Patients who have already had squint treatment and are due for a follow-up review.

If you are unsure whether assessment is needed, it is advisable to consult an ophthalmologist for a comprehensive eye examination.

The visual system is most adaptable in the first seven to eight years of life. During this window, treatment has the best chance of establishing proper binocular vision - where both eyes work together, and the brain receives a single, combined image. Intervening early also reduces the risk of amblyopia becoming permanent.

Early diagnosis and treatment of strabismus can significantly improve long-term visual outcomes, support healthy visual development, and reduce the risk of permanent vision loss caused by amblyopia.

• Protects vision during the critical years of eye development in children, reducing the risk of permanent visual impairment in the weaker eye due to amblyopia.
• Encourages both eyes to work together, giving children a genuine chance at developing normal binocular vision and depth perception.
• Relieves double vision in adults, making everyday tasks easier
• Reduces eye strain and the fatigue that comes from the brain constantly trying to reconcile two misaligned images.
• Improves appearance and, with it, confidence - something that matters at every age
• Addresses associated amblyopia when treated early, before the visual system has fully matured

Our ophthalmologists provide comprehensive strabismus treatment in Uganda, helping children and adults improve eye alignment, binocular vision, and overall visual function through personalized treatment plans. The right treatment depends on the type and severity of the squint, the age of the patient, and whether amblyopia is present. In many cases, more than one treatment approach is used.

• Corrective glasses
  When the squint is driven by a refractive error - particularly long-sightedness - wearing the appropriate glasses may align the eyes without any further intervention.
• Patching and amblyopia treatment
  If vision in one eye has been suppressed, patching the stronger eye encourages the weaker eye to work harder. This is typically done for a prescribed number of hours each day and monitored closely over time.
• Vision therapy
  A structured programme of exercises that may help improve eye coordination in selected types of squint, particularly intermittent deviations and certain binocular vision disorders. It is suitable for certain types of squint, particularly those that are intermittent or linked to focusing difficulties
• Botulinum toxin injections
  In selected cases, an injection into one of the eye muscles can temporarily weaken it, allowing the eyes to realign. This approach is used for certain types of squint in both children and adults, and can sometimes achieve lasting correction or be used as a bridge to surgery.
• Squint surgery
  When other measures are insufficient or the squint is structural, surgery is the recommended approach. The procedure involves adjusting the tension in one or more of the muscles that control eye movement - either moving a muscle back (recession) to reduce its pull, or shortening it (resection) to increase strength.

The procedure involves making a small incision in the clear membrane covering the white of the eye to access the underlying muscles. Depending on the type of squint, the surgeon either repositions a muscle further back to reduce its pull or shortens it to increase its strength. Both eyes may be operated on in the same session. The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia - in children always, and in most adults as well. UMC Victoria Hospital offers advanced squint eye surgery in Uganda, helping both children and adults achieve improved eye alignment, better vision, and enhanced quality of life.

Most patients are comfortable enough to go home a few hours after surgery. The eye will look red and feel gritty for a week or two - this is expected and settles on its own. Prescribed eye drops should be used as directed for the full course. Avoid rubbing the eye, swimming, and dusty environments during the initial recovery period. Follow-up appointments are highly recommended to monitor progress.

At UMC Victoria Hospital, the best squint treatment hospital in Uganda, we offer precise, personalised care for patients of all ages. Our specialist eye team has the expertise and technology to assess, correct, and rehabilitate squint at every stage - from early childhood through adulthood.

Why Choose Us:

• Experienced ophthalmologists specializing in paediatric and adult strabismus
• Advanced diagnostic tools for accurate alignment assessment and vision mapping
• Comprehensive treatment options, including corrective glasses, patching, and surgical correction
• Multidisciplinary support with paediatric specialists for children requiring holistic care
• Restore alignment and confidence with expert squint care you can trust.

Can Squint Be Corrected in Adults?

Yes. While early treatment is ideal, adults with squint can still benefit from treatment. Depending on the cause, options may include glasses, prisms, vision therapy, botulinum toxin injections, or surgery to improve eye alignment and relieve double vision.