Squinting in the children’s diseases dictionary

squinting

General

Is your baby rolling their eyes? That’s not a big deal, because this problem occurs in many babies and toddlers as they first have to learn to coordinate the muscles in their eyes. However, extreme squinting can be treated well with targeted therapy.

Causes of Squinting

A very large proportion of babies under the age of six months squint. This is because your child first has to learn how to use their eye muscles properly, and that takes a few months. However, it is important that you recognize when it is no longer just about learning, and when a visit to the ophthalmologist is advisable. So, you should always see a doctor if your child is squinting for a very long period of more than a few months. Because then it could be that it is the congenital form, with one of the two eye axes deviating from the parallel position.

squinting in babies

Every baby has limited vision after birth. However, this will continue to develop rapidly over the next few months. Perhaps you have already noticed that your child’s gaze is not as straight as that of other children. Your baby doesn’t necessarily have to squint all the time, it’s enough if he only blinks crosswise every now and then.

treat strabismus

When is squinting really problematic and when should you see a pediatrician? While squinting is a common condition in babies and young children, it is not inherently a concern. With early and correct therapy, strabismus is easily treatable. The problem usually goes away on its own after the sixth month. Nevertheless, it is advisable to see an ophthalmologist if, for example, you or your partner already have problems with their eyes. Even if squinting is very noticeable, it is better to consult a pediatrician. The earlier the problem is identified, the better it can be treated. Therefore, you should pay attention to possible signs of illness. Signals are, for example, a noticeable sensitivity to light, tearing of the eyes, squinting of one eye,

prevent squinting

Even if none of the above signs of an eye disease are present, it is still advisable to see an ophthalmologist at the age of two to have your child’s vision checked. In the case of problems affecting the eyes in particular, it is important to start treatment early. One treatment option is, for example, masking the “healthy” eye. As a result, your child has to use and train the squinting eye more. Your child learns to keep a straight look. There is also the possibility to use squinting glasses. Although this cannot completely eliminate the problem, it does make it easier to see because the glasses relieve the strain on the eyes. There is a very high probability that squinting can then be significantly reduced.

If these therapies do not lead to the desired success, the option of an operation in preschool age remains. Here the position of the eye muscles is changed so that the eye is straight in the future. However, squinting usually regulates itself in infancy. Nevertheless, it is advisable to have your child’s eyes examined before they start school, as the therapy options are then still the best.