Eye
Medicines for Squint
When the eyes point in different directions — common in children and important to treat early to protect vision, and also occurring in adults with various causes.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Squint?
A squint (strabismus) is a condition where the two eyes do not look in the same direction: one eye may turn inwards, outwards, up or down while the other looks straight ahead. It is common in young children, in whom it is particularly important because, if the brain starts ignoring the image from the misaligned eye, that eye's vision can fail to develop properly (a "lazy eye", or amblyopia).
- How it is treated: Treatment depends on the type and cause and, in children, on protecting the development of vision.
- Self-care: For children, attending routine eye checks and vision tests allows early detection, and following the treatment plan (glasses, patching or surgery) is important for developing good vision.
- When to seek help: See a GP or optician about a child whose eyes do not look in the same direction, especially beyond the early weeks of life, for assessment — early treatment protects vision.
What it is
A squint (strabismus) is a condition where the two eyes do not look in the same direction: one eye may turn inwards, outwards, up or down while the other looks straight ahead. It is common in young children, in whom it is particularly important because, if the brain starts ignoring the image from the misaligned eye, that eye's vision can fail to develop properly (a "lazy eye", or amblyopia). Squints can be constant or come and go, and may be more noticeable when a child is tired or unwell. In adults, a new squint can result from various causes, including problems with the eye muscles or nerves, and may cause double vision, so it needs assessment. Early detection in children, through checks and eye tests, allows timely treatment.
How it is treated
Treatment depends on the type and cause and, in children, on protecting the development of vision. It often involves treating any long- or short-sightedness with glasses, which can improve or correct some squints, and treating any associated lazy eye (for example by patching the stronger eye to strengthen the weaker one). Some squints are corrected with an operation on the eye muscles to align the eyes, and eye exercises help in certain cases. Early treatment in childhood gives the best results for vision. In adults, treatment addresses the underlying cause and any double vision, and may include prisms in glasses or surgery. Care is guided by an eye specialist team (ophthalmologist and orthoptist).
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Squint
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
For children, attending routine eye checks and vision tests allows early detection, and following the treatment plan (glasses, patching or surgery) is important for developing good vision. There are no specific lifestyle causes for most squints.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a GP or optician about a child whose eyes do not look in the same direction, especially beyond the early weeks of life, for assessment — early treatment protects vision. In adults, a new squint or double vision should be assessed promptly.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Squint: frequently asked questions
Why is a squint important to treat in children?
Because if the brain ignores the image from a misaligned eye, that eye's vision can fail to develop properly (a "lazy eye"). Early treatment protects the development of good vision.
Can a squint be corrected?
Yes. Treatment may include glasses, patching to treat a lazy eye, eye exercises, or surgery on the eye muscles to align the eyes, depending on the type and cause. Early treatment in children gives the best results.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Squint (strabismus)
- Royal College of Ophthalmologists guidance
Related conditions
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