What is Squint Eye?

What is Squint?

Squint is a misalignment of the two eyes so that both the eyes are not looking in the same

direction. This misalignment may be constant, being present throughout the day, or it may 

appear sometimes and the rest of the time the eyes may be straight. 

It is a common condition among children. It may also occur in adults.

Squint Eye - Exotropia

When the eyes are not aligned properly, each of the eyes is focusing on a different object 

and sends signal to the brain.

A squint may be classified and described in different ways. For example:

-> An eye that turns inwards is called an esotropia.

-> An eye that turns outwards is called an exotropia.

-> An eye that turns upwards is called a hypertropia.

-> An eye that turns downwards is called a hypotropia.

Can I Use Eye Drops With My Contact Lenses?

Yes. Certain eye drops can be used with contact lenses. Most over-the-counter eye drops are divided into three categories: “dry eye" eye drops, “get the red out” eye drops and “contact lens” eye drops.

• "Dry eye" eye drops:
  
  
  Dry eye drops come in a variety of formulations. Some are thicker than others and may actually cloud your vision or “gum up” your contact lenses. While some of them may be okay for use with contact lenses, they are designed to not only lubricate the eye, but to promote healing of the eye’s surface.
• “Get the red out” eye drops:
  
  
  "Get the red out" drops have special ingredients called vasoconstrictors. These drops shrink the tiny blood vessels in the conjunctiva, the clear tissue that coats the white part of your eye. These eye drops could cause deposits to form of the surface of your contact lenses and if used repetitively to re-wet your contact lenses, could cause “rebound” redness. Rebound redness occurs when the vasoconstrictor wears off. The blood vessels dilate larger, causing the eyes to appear bloodshot. This may cause dependency or mask underlying infections or inflammations.
• "Contact lens" eye drops:
  
  
  Contact lens eye drops are often called re-wetting drops. Re-wetting drops lubricate your eye and hydrate the contact lens, making your eyes more comfortable while wearing your contact lenses. Theses eye drops are labeled “For use with soft contact lenses,” and are usually located next to contact lens cleaning solutions in the store. Eye care professionals usually encourage frequent use of re-wetting drops, as it improves comfort and helps clear out debris underneath your contact lenses.
Talk to your eye doctor if you are taking any eye drops for medical eye problems, such as glaucoma. Ask your eye doctor for the best way to insert eye drops and whether or not contact lenses should be worn while taking your medication.

Healthy Eyes for Better Vision

5 Tips for Good Eye Health

• Prevention. Computers are the number one method of communication today. Consequently, we may be spending up to eight hours or more a day in front of a computer either at work, or as a home-based business. In addition, we strive to strengthen the security of our data through newly acquired software. Conversely, what steps do we take to secure and strengthen our eyes? After all, the strain imposed upon them subtly creeps up and we find it more and more difficult to read the small print. Thus, the importance of eye exams cannot be overstated. Yearly check-ups should be a part of our overall desire to keep our eyes in focus.

•  UV Ray Protection. Summer is the time when most folks visit the beach regularly. In addition, outdoor activities during hot summer days is something everyone looks forward to, right? The problem is we do not always consider the damage the sun’s UV rays have on our eyes. The use of proper sunglasses can prevent cataracts and muscular degeneration. Purchase appropriate sunglasses that have 100% ultra-violet ray protection.

• Vitamin A. Include vitamin A supplements or foods in your diet regimen. Whether you choose fruits or vegetables or both, this can help enormously in the prevention of eye disease. If you didn’t like carrots as a kid, you can blend them with a favourite fruit and make a delicious drink out of it.

• Smoking. Now is the time to quit. Smoking is directly related to loss of vision. Cataracts and age-related muscular degeneration are two diseases caused by smoking.

• Exercise and good nutrition. Eating vegetables and fruits, as well as fish and other healthy foods, can decrease your risk of developing eye disease. Exercise not only helps the circulation, but increases your overall health. Blood tests to determine if you have the onset of diabetes is also important since diabetes can cause eye problems later on.

As most of us engage in finding new ways to improve our overall health, eye health is just as important and should not be overlooked. If you have a job that requires you to sit in front of a computer all day, take time out away from the monitor. The first time you find yourself squinting or experience blurry vision or night blindness, make an appointment with your Ophthalmologist or Optometrist. Proper diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions is the first line of defence.