A squint, also known as strabismus, refers to a condition in which the coordination of the eyes is disturbed. In healthy persons, both the eyes point in the same direction and the focus of the eyes remains the same. But in case of a squint, the focus of one eye is correct while the other eye deviates. The affected eye can turn upward, downward, inward or outward. The extraocular muscles help in the movements of the eyeball. A squint develops due to the weakening of one or more extraocular muscles. It is a common condition in young children between the ages of 1 to 3 years, but it can affect adults too. Homeopathic treatment for squint is very effective for mild to moderate cases. They help in strengthening the eye muscles gently and naturally. Under this treatment, homeopathy medicines along with eye exercises provide the best assistance to the patient. But in severe cases of squint, homeopathic medicines provide supportive treatment in conjunction with the conventional mode. It helps in managing the symptoms related to vision. Homeopathy treatment for squint is natural and has no side effects. They are safe to use for all ages.
A detailed case taking is essential in every case. Case analysis helps in identifying the underlying cause as well as the characteristic symptoms of each case. These symptoms assist in the selection of the appropriate homeopathic medicine.
What are the Causes and Types of Squints?
A squint develops when the muscles of the eyes are not working properly. There are two types of causes leading to a squint. The first type of cause is congenital. In congenital cases, a squint is present from birth. Also, this condition may be present in other members of the family. The second type of cause is acquired, where a squint develops later in life. Acquired causes include an injury to the brain or nerves, hydrocephalus, viral infections like meningitis and measles, accidents, long untreated eye illnesses like hyper myopia or long-sightedness, myopia or short sightedness, or astigmatism, which is a defect in the shape of the cornea. It may also be present in premature babies or children with Down’s Syndrome and cerebral palsy.
Squints can be intermittent – where it appears only for some time or during certain activities. It can also be constant – where it is present continuously. There are different types of squints, depending on the direction of eye movement. The first is exotropic where the eye turns outward; the second is esotropic where the eye moves inward. These are also known as divergent and convergent squints respectively. The third type is hypotropia here the eye turns downward, and the last is hypertropia in which the eye rotates upward.
Signs and Symptoms of a Squint
Signs and symptoms vary from mild to severe depending on the underlying cause and duration of the squint. In newborns and infants, you may notice deviation of the eyes in the initial months of life. It may be temporary and arise due to tiring of the eye muscles. Generally, it goes away by itself. But if it persists, treatment is required. A squint is a very common cosmetic problem which when not treated properly may lead to permanent loss of vision. It may affect one or both eyes. As mentioned earlier, since the patient is unable to focus both eyes at one point, he may move his face or head in a particular direction to use the eyes together. Either the person may see with one eye or develop double vision, also known as lazy eye or amblyopia. There may also be a loss of deep perception.
Homeopathic Medicines for Squint
Top homeopathic medicines for squint are Physostigma, Jaborandi, Cyclamen, Gelsemium, Natrum Mur, Ruta, Alumina, Cicuta, and Stramonium. Physostigma is a top ranked homeopathic medicine for squint cases with short-sightedness. There may be profuse watery discharge the patient may complain of weakness in the eyes. Jaborandi is a highly recommended homeopathic medicine for squint with long-sightedness. In such cases, the eye turns upward and inward. Cyclamen is a useful homeopathic medicine for squint where the affected eye turns toward the nose. There may be a burning sensation in the eye. The vision is disturbed, and objects may appear double. The patient may also complain of cloudy vision. Gelsemium is another very effective homeopathic medicine for squint with disturbances in vision. The patient may complain of blurred or double vision. The eye turns outward when the person is looking sideways and disappears when looking straight. The patient may experience difficulty in opening the eyes. Natrum Mur is a suitable homeopathic treatment for squint caused by the weakening of eye muscles. The person may complain of pain in the eyes when looking downward. The eyes turn outward. Patients may face difficulty working in sunlight or bright light. The symptoms may get worse with fatigue. Ruta is beneficial homeopathic treatment for squint which occurs due to the over straining of eye muscles. Symptoms may get worse due to excessive reading or working in dim light. Alumina is an excellent homeopathic treatment for squint in children where both eyes are affected. The symptoms may get worse during dentition. The child may tend to look at one point constantly. Cicuta works well in cases where a squint appears after certain intervals. In such cases, the patient develops a squint following a fall or a blow. Stramonium is a very effective homeopathic medicine for squint due to brain disorders. The patient may have wide open eyes with marked staring, the vision may be affected, and objects may appear dark and large.
