Is There Any Treatment for Squint Apart From Surgery ?

A Common Patient Question
One of the most frequent questions I hear in my clinic is:
“Doctor, is squint surgery the only option? Can it be treated without surgery?”
This question usually comes with worry, fear, and sometimes hesitation, especially from parents and adults who are searching online for answers like squint treatment without surgery, eye squint correction, or best eye doctor for squint in Seawoods Navi Mumbai.
The honest answer is: it depends on the type of squint, the age of the patient, and the cause.
What is a squint in simple words?
A squint (medically called strabismus) means both eyes are not aligned in the same direction. One eye may turn inward, outward, upward, or downward. This can affect vision, depth perception, and confidence. In children, untreated squint can lead to lazy eye, while in adults it can cause double vision or eye strain.
Are there non-surgical options for squint treatment?
Yes, some squints can be managed without surgery, especially when detected early.

1. Glasses In many children and some adults, squint is related to eye power. Wearing the correct spectacles can sometimes reduce or control squint, particularly in accommodative squint. This is why a proper eye power check is the first step in squint evaluation.
2. Patching (mainly for children) If squint is associated with lazy eye, patching the stronger eye helps improve vision in the weaker eye. Patching improves vision but does not correct eye alignment by itself.
3. Eye exercises Eye exercises help only in selected cases, mainly for certain focusing or convergence problems. Many patients search for eye exercises for squint, but it is important to understand that exercises do not correct most structural or long-standing squints.
4. Prism glasses In some adults with mild squint or double vision, prism glasses can improve comfort and alignment while wearing spectacles. Prism glasses help symptoms but do not permanently fix the squint. When is squint surgery necessary? Squint surgery is advised when: Squint is large or long-standing Glasses or other treatments have not worked There is cosmetic concern or social discomfort Double vision is persistent Binocular vision is affected Squint surgery helps realign the eye muscles and is often the most effective treatment for proper eye alignment. Why delaying treatment can be harmful Many patients delay proper treatment while trying exercises or home remedies. Unfortunately, not all squints can be corrected without surgery, and delaying the right treatment, especially in children, can reduce the final outcome. My message to patients and parents Every squint is different. Some squints can be managed without surgery, while others need surgical correction for the best results. The most important step is early and accurate evaluation by an eye specialist, rather than fear or delay. If you or your child has a squint, getting timely guidance from an experienced eye doctor helps choose the right treatment and protects vision in the long term. -- Dr. Sonal Hinge Ophthalmologist EyeLens Hospital, Seawoods, Navi Mumbai