Squint in Children: How To Identify If My Baby Has Cross Eyes?

Team AckoFeb 8, 2024

Squint eyes in babies is a situation that arises because of an incorrect balance of your child’s eye muscles that moves her eyeballs in different directions or in the same direction, faulty nerve signals to the eye muscles and focusing faults. Usually, it creates problems in your kid when it comes to long sight. If your little one’s eyes are out of balance, they might turn in (converge), turn out (diverge) or sometimes turn up or down, preventing the eyes from working properly together.

Mostly, 1 child out of every 30 newborns is born with a squint in their eyes. More likely, you would observe this problem among the ones who have genetic factors. Often this condition arises without any apparent reason. But, if this problem is treated at an early stage then, there are chances of it getting cured. 

What are the causes of a squint in children?

1. Mostly, a squint is caused due to the malfunctioning of eye muscles. When eye muscles don’t work together in a balanced way. Generally, when eye muscles become weaker or lazier than the other, resulting in de-alignment when the brain tries to form an image.

2. It is more commonly observed among babies with underweight or premature babies. You would also find it if it is inherent in your little one’s genes.

3. Often squints are caused in long-sightedness. Causes can include a cataract in an eye or may be a problem in your little princess’ retina.

Symptoms to find a squint in your little one’s eye

Following are the symptoms that show that your little one has a squint in her eyes:

1. When you observe your little one's eyes looking in different directions. The affected eye might turn inwards towards the nose or outwards or might turn up or down.

2. You will find your little one turning her eyes constantly, in different directions after she is 3 months old.

3. If you discover a squint in your child’s eye after she turns 3 months old, she is likely to develop a lazy eye. In this, your kid’s brain ignores to take the images coming from the affected eye. This is a major area of concern as with the growing age, your child’s eye would stop functioning properly and she might end up with reduced vision.

4. You might also find that your kid’s eyes are not aligned with one another. You might be able to observe that your little one’s eyes do not move together.

5. You are more likely to observe her squint when she is unwell or tired. Her eyes might turn if she is concentrating a lot on certain objects or in a particular direction.

6. Sometimes, due to a fold of a skin near the inner corner of the eye or a broad flat nose, it might be able to give you an impression that your kid’s eyes are squinty. But, with growing age, it would tend to disappear on its own.

What are the problems caused by squint eyes in your baby?

There are few problems that might turn out to be dangerous as your child grows. These problems are: 

1. If you observe a squint in your little one’s eye, her brain might get two different pictures from both the eyes. If, her brain is not able to merge them together, so it would ignore one of them, eventually causing the affected eye to deteriorate.

2. The affected eye or the one that ignores the picture would become weaker with time and your little one might lose her vision.

3. As your little darling will grow older, she might have a problem in judging distances.

When should you consult your pediatrician about your baby's squint eyes?

Generally, it has been observed that you would notice a squint in your little one’s eyes only after she is 6 weeks old. This actually signals you as a parent to get your kid’s eyes tested by an optometrist as soon as possible. It has been found that a child with a squint in her eyes tends to be affected by a poor vision in her affected eye. It is better to consult a doctor at the early stage. Sooner you start with the treatment the better would be the results.

You need to see your doctor if your little one is 3 months or older than 3 months and has a squint that comes and goes. If you observe a squint that comes and goes when your little one is below 3 months, then they aren’t an area of concern.

If you have any doubts with respect to your child’s vision and you tend to observe your tiny toddler turns her head to one side or closes her eyes while looking at the things, then it calls for concern and visiting your doctor. When you find your little one turning her eyes, especially when she is tired or unwell, you need to take her to the doctor.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change, refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.