It’s normal for a newborn’s eyes to wander occasionally. But by around three months, the eyes should work together. A squint (strabismus) that continues beyond that age, or appears later, needs checking, because it can affect how vision develops.
Imagine looking at family photos and noticing that in every picture, your two-year-old’s left eye seems to drift slightly inwards. In person you hadn’t really noticed. Photos with flash often reveal a squint, and they’re a good reason to book an eye check.
Signs of a squint
- One eye turning in, out, up or down, all the time or only sometimes (often when tired)
- Tilting or turning the head to look at things
- Closing one eye in bright light
- Double vision in older children
Treatment options
- Glasses, which can straighten some squints caused by long-sightedness
- Patching or eye drops to treat a lazy eye linked to the squint
- Eye exercises for some specific types
- Surgery on the eye muscles to improve alignment
But when is a squint urgent?
Seek urgent medical help if a squint appears suddenly in an older child or adult, especially with double vision, headache, a drooping eyelid or other neurological symptoms. Also get prompt checks for a white or unusual reflection in the pupil in photos, which can rarely be a sign of a serious eye condition.
Your next step: Scroll through your recent photos of your child. If one eye looks turned, or one pupil looks white or different, book an eye check and bring the photos.
Sources: NHS (Squint), American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. This guide is for general information and does not replace advice from your own nurse, doctor or optometrist.
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