The most obvious sign of a squint is one eye that does not look straight ahead but turns inwards, outwards, upwards or downwards. Minor squints may be less obvious.
Squints can cause blurred vision or double vision, but babies and young children may not realise that there is a problem.
Babies and young children
It is quite normal for the eyes of newborn babies to 'cross' occasionally, particularly when they are tired. Speak to your GP if you notice this happening to your child after three months of age.
If your child looks at you with one eye closed or with their head turned to one side, it may mean that they are experiencing double vision and could be a sign that they have a squint. If this happens repeatedly, take your child to see your GP as soon as possible.
Lazy eye
If a squint is left untreated, lazy eye (amblyopia) can develop. The vision in the affected eye gradually deteriorates because the brain ignores the weaker message being sent from that eye. A lazy eye can be treated up until about six or seven years of age, but it is important that it is treated as soon as possible.
As with squints, a lazy eye may cause blurred or double vision in children but it may not be detected until their first sight test. This is usually at around four or five years of age.
