What causes a squint?

There are many things that may cause a squint. Often a squint in adults is a consequence of a squint as a child. Or squints may be as a result of trauma to the eyes or there may be rare conditions, such as thyroid eye problems. So people who have thyroid eye problems may get misalignment of their eyes which is unusual. This may also occur with neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis or myasthenia gravis, and in those cases, the onset is often sudden and gives a double vision.

Similarly, in the elderly age group, it may be the consequence of a mini-stroke. So people will suddenly notice double vision and when you investigate them there is an underlying neurological cause.

More about Robert Morris

Rob Morris is a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at The Grange Eye Consultants. His special expertise is in cataract and refractive surgery, including Refractive Lens Exchange, and adult squint. He has over 30 years experience in treating people with eye problems. Rob Morris founded Grange Eye Consultants to manage the increasing demand for more complex refractive surgery. He leads clinical trials investigating novel eye treatments. He is currently Medical Director at Optegra Eye Hospitals.