In contrast to many other diseases, strabismus and functional impairment in visual acuity (amblyopia) are not painful conditions. A distinction is made between congenital and acquired forms of strabismus. Often, it is the squint which is noticed first. Nevertheless, strabismus is a condition to be taken seriously because if left untreated, 80% of affected children can develop a functional impairment of vision (amblyopia). Older children and adults may also suffer an adverse psychological effect when condition results in a noticeable squint. Disorders of eye movements or improved processing of visual information may be present. Childhood strabismus may also have the hereditary component. Clouding of the lens of the eye (cataract), long or shortsightness and astigmatism can lead to a poor or distorted retinal image and may therefore be contributing factors to strabismus or amblyopia..
Diseases and tumours of the retina must be ruled out or diagnosed at an early stage as causes of strabismus. This is why an examination must be performed with dilated pupils.
