Yes, glasses can help squint, particularly in children, by assisting the eyes to focus and potentially correcting the inward turning of the eye.
Squint, also known as strabismus, is a condition where the eyes do not look in the same direction at the same time. While treatment approaches vary depending on the cause and type of squint, glasses are often a crucial first step, especially for certain individuals.
How Glasses Can Help Treat Squint
According to patient information from UHS (University Hospital Southampton), many children with a squint will need to wear glasses as part of their treatment. This is particularly true for children who are long-sighted.
- Assisting Focus: Long-sighted glasses help the eyes to focus correctly. When a long-sighted eye struggles to focus, it may turn inwards in an effort to see clearly. Wearing the appropriate glasses removes this focusing strain.
- Stopping Inward Turning: By enabling clear focus without effort, the glasses can help prevent the eye from turning inwards.
This means that for certain types of squint, especially those linked to focusing problems like long-sightedness, glasses can directly address the underlying issue contributing to the eye turning.
While glasses are a common and effective treatment for many, it's important to note that some children may require additional treatments alongside glasses, such as patching or surgery, depending on the specific nature of their squint. However, for many, glasses are a vital part of correcting or managing the condition.
