Squint, also known as Strabismus, is a condition when both eyes point in different directions. While one eye may look normal, the other one tends to turn up (hypertropia), turn down (hypotropia), turn in (esotropia), or turn out (exotropia). When the eyes are not properly aligned, one or both eye focuses on different objects and sends the brain a different signal. When the brain perceives these two different images, it tends to get confused.

   Types of Squint

     There are different types of squints. When a squint is permanent, it is called a constant squint, and an intermittent squint when temporary. Squint can often be misguided by a “Pseudo Squint” because of the wide gap between the eyes making the eyes look misaligned and often mistaken for a squint. Sometimes the squint eye can be corrected and made normal with treatments and exercises. Most commonly seen in young children anyone of any age can develop a squint.

   Symptoms of Squint

     Some of the symptoms that can help identify squint are crossed eyes, double vision, depth perception issues, eyes moving separately, loss of vision in just one eye, etc. Strabismus is caused by an abnormal condition of neuromuscular control of eye movement. Here, the eye muscles that control the movement and eyelids are unable to function together in unison, and as a result, the eyes cannot focus on one object at the same time. When you have a squint, the binocular vision is disrupted and obstructs the person’s depth perception.

   Causes of Squint

    Squint can occur for very many reasons, the exact cause of which is not known. While some people are born with a squint, others may develop it later in their life, and for some; it may be genetic or hereditary. In children, squint may be caused due to refractive errors like astigmatism, short-sightedness, and long-sightedness.

    Medical advice is necessary if you notice squint in kids older than three months. You must start an early treatment once you notice squinting eyes. Young children may develop the habit of closing one eye to focus on something else or turning their heads to one side. Ignoring squint eye and delaying treatment can lead to very many other problems and even vision loss in the future.

     In some rare cases, squint can be caused due to medical conditions and infections like measles, viral fever, the incorrect balance of muscles, Down’s Syndrome, cerebral palsy, brain or nerve-related problems, developmental delays, etc. Squint can sometimes be a symptom of retinoblastoma, a rare type of childhood eye cancer. 

     For all squint-related eye conditions, feel free to get in touch with one of the finest squint specialists in Kerala, Dr Rani Menon from the renowned Dr Rani Menon’s Clinic in Thrissur. Suture-less or no stitch squint surgery using fibrin glue was also pioneered primarily by her in Dr Rani Menon’s Clinic, Thrissur. Make regular eye doctor consultations to identify squint at an early stage and do the necessary corrections and treatment to lead a normalized life. Our next blog will provide more information in detail about squint treatment in Kerala.

     Your prescription glasses are the first thing you take hold of in the morning and the last thing you keep aside before sleeping. Throughout the day, your glasses are kept at a lot of places and encounter many “challenges”. When perfect vision is guaranteed through prescription glasses, you must use them throughout unless otherwise mentioned by your doctor. Hence it becomes important to choose glasses that are stylish, comfortable and functional. Choosing the perfect frame, size, and color that matches your face is indeed a tedious task but once that is done, make sure to take extra care of your glasses for your vision depends on them. If not properly handled your glasses and frames can be damaged, disrupting vision.

     Always make sure to follow the proper guidelines from the concerned optician when cleaning your glasses. If you are wearing them throughout the day, they can accumulate dust, stain, and fingerprints which can disrupt your vision. Hence, proper cleaning of the glasses is essential so that your vision is not impaired. The following tips are applicable even if your lenses are labeled as scratch free.

1. Use a cleaning solution on your glasses to clean them and refrain from using your spit or breath to clean them. Cleaning dry glasses can leave scratch marks on them.
2. Avoid touching the lens of the glasses as it can leave fingerprints and smudges. Hold them by the frame.
3. Always use a microfiber, soft or lint-free cloth to clean your glasses. Do not use a paper towel, napkin, tissue or any other hard cloth for cleaning your spectacles as they can cause scratches on them.
4. Some people also clean the glasses with the clothes. If the clothes are not 100% cotton, it can cause scratches on the lenses. Any stain or dirt on your clothes can easily be transferred to your glasses too upon cleaning.
5. It is also a good idea to air dry your glasses after washing, so other particles or materials do not stick on them.
6. Always store your glasses in their case with the lens facing upward, or else, the lens can get scratches.
7. Leaving the glasses in a hot area or in the dash of a car parked for a prolonged time under the sun can deform the frame.
8. Putting the glass inside your handbag without placing them in a case can damage your glasses.
9. Make sure to not place your glasses on the bed, sofa, chair, or any place where someone might accidentally sit on top and cause it to bend or break.
10. Do not put the glasses on top of your head, as there are chances of it slipping and falling as well as the widening the frame.
11. While removing or putting on your glasses, use both hands so that the alignment is not disrupted and the fit of your glasses is not compromised.

     If your glasses are clean, then you will not have to strain yourself to see through them. Make sure to follow these dos and don’ts so that you have sturdy, clean, and scratch-free glasses promising good vision. With proper guidance, your glasses can last for a long time and continue to give you the gift of clearer vision.

     Our eyes are the most delicate sense organs in our body and are intended for perfect vision. The power of eyes may not be the same for all and certain eye disorders require glasses or contact lenses to be worn depending on the condition. While contact lenses are a good alternative to glasses and come with their benefits, they can lead to great damage to your eyes if not properly taken care.

     If you are not following the correct instructions or taking proper care of your contact lenses it might affect your eyes in a bad way leading to an eye infection. Hence, extra care must be taken when wearing contact lenses as well as caring for them. Practicing unhealthy and unhygienic habits while wearing contact lenses can lead to blurry vision and infection, which is why in this blog we detail some of the bad contact lens habits to leave behind.

1. Not changing the contact lens solution every day 

      Your contact lens solution comes with an expiry date, be sure to discard the solution after its expiry date. The contact solution if turned old will not provide adequate disinfection hence always make sure to use a new and fresh contact lens solution. Not changing the contact lens solution every day will result in an eye infection. 

2. Wearing contact lenses for far too long 

     Contact lenses must be worn for a maximum of 10 to 12 hours only, your eyes breathe by absorbing oxygen through the air, and the contact lenses limit the oxygen intake for they cover the cornea. If worn for a longer time the contact lenses can be exposed to a lot of dirt. Disposable contact lenses are also available in the market, hence make sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding the recommended time it should be used.

3. Wearing contact lenses to bed 

      Contact lenses are not designed to be worn throughout the day unless they are long-term contacts. Disposable contact lenses should ideally be removed before going to bed. There is a tendency for bacteria to grow if you sleep with your contact lenses on. Also, your eyes need more oxygen to breathe, and wearing contact lenses might act as a barrier while wearing them and sleeping.

 4. Wearing contact lenses in a pool, hot tub, or shower

     Water present in a pool, hot tub, or shower may contain chlorine, microorganisms, bacteria, and impurities which can cause the contact lens to change shape or be deformed.  

5. Not washing your hands when handling contact lenses 

    If you are going to handle contact lenses, make sure your hands are clean and washed because if your hand contains oil or dirt then it could transfer to your eyes and lead to infection. Not washing your hands before handling contact lenses can contaminate your eyes. Use a handwash and dry your hands before touching the contact lenses. Do not touch the contact lens after applying scented lotions or creams as they can easily pass onto your eyes and cause infection.

6. Rubbing your eyes often

     Rubbing your eyes sparingly is ok, but excessive rubbing while wearing contact lenses can lead to irritation and eye infection. It is best to avoid rubbing your eyes, as it can damage your eyes.

7. Wearing contact lenses without consulting a doctor 

     Contact lenses should only be worn after consulting with an eye doctor, it is not a cosmetic accessory hence wearing them needs proper guidance from a professional doctor. Each person’s eye is unique hence only an experienced doctor can help overcome vision problems with the help of the right contact lens.

8. Cleaning contact lenses with water 

     Even if you do not have the contact lens solution at your disposal, you must not resort to using tap water to clean your lenses as they are not the most unhygienic way to clean your lenses. Tap water may also contain a lot of bacteria which can damage your eyes and cause infection.

     Avoiding these bad habits or keeping them at bay can prolong the life of your contact lens and keep your eyes in good health without causing any damage or eye infection.