Squint, medically known as Strabismus, is an exacerbating eye condition that can go a lifetime, hindering an individual’s daily routine. While surgeries rightfully claim their position as a priority in such medical situations, the pursuit of optimal treatment is beyond the operating table. In the case of squint, an amalgamation of the right medical interventions and suggested exercises can double the chances of favourable outcomes.
Therefore, keeping the surgery’s importance in mind, let’s discuss what initiates the condition of squint and what its potential treatments are.
Squint: Definition & Reasons Behind It
A medical condition that blurs one’s vision because the eyes are not able to focus on the same direction is referred to as squint. While this incoordination is prevalent in younger children, older kids or even adults may suffer from it.
A few common reasons causing cross-eyes or squints are:
- Muscular Imbalance
Muscle imbalance is a common cause that spurs cross-eyes. The reason behind this imbalance is the muscles that are responsible for controlling eye movement. When either of the eyes becomes weaker or gets stronger, the coordination of focusing gets misaligned.
- Genetic Factors
In certain instances, genetic factors like a family history of squint are likely to be one of the reasons. Some genetic factors may also influence the development of eye muscles and coordination between them.
- Refractive Errors
Refractive conditions, such as farsightedness (hypermetropia), near-sightedness (myopia), or astigmatism, are visionary issues which make it harder for the eyes to function smoothly. A severe case of such misalignment makes surgery essential.
- Childhood Illnesses
Certain childhood illnesses or conditions, such as cerebral palsy or Down syndrome, may increase the risk of developing a squint. These conditions can affect the neuromuscular control of the eyes.
- Neurological Conditions
Some neurological disorders, such as brain tumours or strokes, can affect the nerves that control eye movement. This disruption in nerve function may contribute to the development of strabismus.
- Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)
Amblyopia, commonly known as lazy eye, can lead to squint. When one eye has significantly reduced vision, the brain may suppress signals from that eye, causing the other eye to dominate and potentially misalign.
- Environmental Factors
Prolonged use of digital screens, inadequate lighting, or constant exposure to visually demanding tasks without breaks strains the eye muscles. This strain contributes to the potential vision misalignment.
3 Exercises for Squint Eyes to Practise at Home
Here are a few exercises that can help an individual with squint eyes:
- Pencil Push-ups
Pencil push-ups are exercises that help train the eyes to converge efficiently. As the pencil is moved back and forth, keeping the focus at its tip, it will strengthen the eye muscles responsible for bringing the eyes together. However, it’s also important to consult with a professional in case of heightened problems. Professional guidance will help in foreseeing a possible squint surgery if required.
- Barrel Cards
Another exercise to treat eye convergence at home is using barrel cards. In this exercise, a single card is used with three dots of different sizes. What must be done here is to hold it from the lower edge and ensure that it is from the smallest dot’s side. Now, focus on the pairs for five seconds and then repeat it ten times.
- Brock Strings
The Brock String is a vision therapy method that improves eye coordination. It consists of a cord with coloured beads. To set it up, create loops at both ends, attach one end to a doorknob, and position beads at varying distances.
During the exercise, focus on the beads at different distances. Adjust until a single bead is perceived. Progression involves bringing the closest bead an inch from the nose. Moreover, continually changing bead locations can also enhance eye coordination.
In addition to these exercises, squint is one of the conditions that may require surgery as well. In case of increased problems, this medical intervention turns out to be significantly fruitful. Let’s find out how. Undergoing squint surgery will help:
- Improve Eye Alignment: The primary goal of this surgery is to correct the misalignment of the eyes. By adjusting the position of the eye muscles, the surgery helps bring the eyes into proper alignment, promoting a more natural and coordinated appearance.
- Enhance Depth Perception: Correcting the alignment of the eyes through surgery can contribute to improved depth perception. Aligned eyes work together more effectively, allowing the brain to create a more accurate perception of depth and distance.
- Cosmetic Enhancement: Squint surgery can have significant cosmetic benefits by addressing the visible misalignment of the eyes. A more symmetrical and aligned appearance contributes to improved facial aesthetics, boosting self-confidence and self-esteem.
- Enhanced Peripheral Vision: Properly aligned eyes can contribute to improved peripheral vision. When the eyes work together harmoniously, the overall visual field expands, allowing individuals to have a broader range of vision.
- Reduction of Eye Strain and Fatigue: Misaligned eyes can cause eye strain and fatigue as the muscles work harder to compensate for the misalignment. Squint surgery can alleviate this strain, promoting more comfortable and efficient use of the eyes.
- Correction of Head Posture: Individuals with misaligned eyes often adopt compensatory head postures to achieve better alignment. Squint surgery can eliminate the need for these postures, allowing for more natural and comfortable head positioning.
- Enhanced Social Interaction: Aesthetically pleasing and well-aligned eyes contribute to more positive social interactions. Addressing the visible signs of squint can help individuals deal with social situations with more ease, promoting better communication and social confidence.
- Early Intervention for Children: The surgery is often performed in childhood to address alignment issues early on. Early intervention is crucial for preventing potential developmental problems and promoting normal visual development.
While exercising is an option to treat a medical situation, it’s important to note that surgeries become necessary when the problem worsens. However, under the guidance of expert doctors, undergoing squint surgery is the best solution.
In the past couple of years, Dr Agarwal has emerged as one of the most trusted eye care centres specialising in such treatments. Their team of experts is always ready to cater to your problems with the best industry equipment.
So, if you’re someone seeking eye treatment, consider Dr Agarwal’s Eye Hospital for their reliable medical services today!