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An estimated 1.81% of the global population has horizontal strabismus, according to a recent systematic review and meta-analysis. Image used for representational purposes only
| Photo Credit: RAJARATHINAM RM
Squint, or strabismus, is a condition in which the eyes are not aligned and do not look in the same direction at the same time. One eye may turn inwards towards the nose (esotropia), outwards (exotropia), upwards or downwards, while the other eye remains focused on an object. This misalignment may be constant or may occur intermittently, such as when a person is tired.
A recent study estimated that horizontal strabismus affects 1.81% of the global population, or about 138.5 million people. Exotropia affects an estimated 1.14% (87.5 million), compared with 0.67% (60 million) for esotropia. The pattern has also shifted across generations, with exotropia now more common globally. The study found regional differences, but noted that parts of South Asia remain under-represented in research.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognises strabismus as one of the eye conditions that can require long-term monitoring and treatment. WHO’s guidance on vision screening in preschool children notes that strabismus is one of the causes of amblyopia, or reduced vision resulting from abnormal visual development.
The most obvious sign is that the eyes appear to point in different directions. Some children may close one eye in bright light, tilt or turn their head to see, or have difficulty judging distances.
