Squinted eyes refer to two distinct conditions: the act of partially closing one's eyelids, and a specific eye condition called strabismus.
1. Squinting as an Action
Squinting is the act of narrowing your eyes, usually to improve vision. This happens when you're trying to see something more clearly, often because of inadequate lighting, distance, or refractive errors like nearsightedness or farsightedness. The partial closure of the eyelids helps focus the light, effectively improving visual acuity in a temporary way.
- Example: Squinting while looking at distant objects on a sunny day.
2. Squinting as a Medical Condition (Strabismus)
A squint, also known as strabismus, is a condition where the eyes do not point in the same direction. One eye may turn inward, outward, upward, or downward, while the other looks straight ahead. This misalignment can be present from birth (congenital) or develop later in life. Strabismus is particularly common in young children but can affect people of any age. It's a condition where the eyes focus on different objects at the same time, meaning the visual information each eye receives is not coordinated.
-
Types of Strabismus:
- Esotropia: Inward turning of the eye.
- Exotropia: Outward turning of the eye.
- Hypertropia: Upward turning of the eye.
- Hypotropia: Downward turning of the eye.
-
Causes of Strabismus: The precise cause is often unknown, but potential factors include: genetics, neurological conditions, muscle imbalances in the eye, and other medical problems.
Resources:
Several reputable sources confirm the definitions provided above. These include the NHS (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/squint/), Medical News Today (https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/220429), and the American Academy of Ophthalmology (https://www.aao.org/eye-health/symptoms/squinting).
