Squint - should I get it checked?

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Hi,

I was born with a severe squint, and had an operation at about two years of age to correct it. I was left with amblyopia in one eye, and have lived with this since then.

Now I am in my early sixties, the squint has returned. It is in the weaker eye, and is noticeable, but not severe. I was wondering whether to visit the opticians (Specsavers or similar), just for a check up. However, part of me feels this is unnecessary and I should just accept the misaligned eye as part of the ageing process. I only really use one eye anyway.

What do others think?

Thanks

Do you not go for eye tests every 2 years anyway?
Do you wear glasses?

Yes, I think my next eye test s due next year. I do wear glasses.

I had a severe squint as a child and had the same squint surgery aged 7. I am 41 now and since my mid 30s my eye has begun to drift more and more. I eventually went to visit the opticians who then referred me to the eye hospital. I had to have several appointments and eye tests but I have recently been approved to go on the waiting list for a repeat squint surgery.

I never imagined in my wildest dreams that I would be given surgery, I thought I would be fobbed off with a new glasses prescription.

I would say it is definitely worth a visit to the optician, especially if it’s something that bothers you. Mine has bothered me for years, always self conscious and worried I was going cross eyed at people. I am still on the waiting list, I’ve no idea how long the wait is…but I’m just happy that one day in the future I won’t have to worry about it.

It’s definitely worth having a sight test sooner than wait for your recall. You may be told you have to pay for the test as you are not due.

The eyes and the brain are connected, so although your history highly suggests that it’s to do with an existing condition (treated when you were much younger). and even though your eyesight is poor in that eye, I would think it wise to have an early sight test to ensure the eye-brain connection is not affected.

Also consider a full health check up eg blood pressure, as sometimes high blood pressure, diabetes etc can cause changes to eye muscles.

Phone or pop in your regular optician.. They can complete a triage and a clinician will then decide next steps for you .

Just a quick update.

I went to the optician because it was time for my biannual appointment. I had quite a number of tests done, including one for suppression. I have been referred to the local hospital to see if there is anything that can be done with respect to the monocular vision, and I have cataracts, and one or two blind spots in my field of vision but these are not a cause for concern.

I am glad I went