squint

Question 1

what is it?

Answer 1

Squint (strabismus) is characterised by misalignment of the visual axes. Squints may be divided into concomitant (common) and paralytic (rare). It is important to detect as uncorrected may lead to amblyopia (the brain fails to fully process inputs from one eye and over time favours the other eye).

Question 2

what causes concomitant squint?

Answer 2

Due to imbalance in extraocular muscles
Convergent is more common than divergent

Question 3

what causes paralytic squint?

Answer 3

Due to paralysis of extraocular muscles

Question 4

how do you detect squint?

Answer 4

Detection of a squint may be made by the corneal light reflection test - holding a light source 30cm from the child’s face to see if the light reflects symmetrically on the pupils

Question 5

how do you do cover test?

Answer 5

ask the child to focus on an object
cover one eye
observe movement of uncovered eye
cover other eye and repeat test

Question 6

mx?

Answer 6

referral to secondary care
eye patches may help prevent amblyopia