H50: Other strabismus

H50.6: Mechanical strabismus

Normally, when you look straight ahead, both eyes look straight ahead. Squinting alters the position of one or both eyes. For example, the affected eye can point more to the side or upwards or downwards. You can have a squint from birth. However, it can also be the result of other conditions.

Several small muscles move the eye within its socket. This is how we are able to look in different directions. In your case, one or both eyes is prevented from moving normally. This can be the case after an injury or a disorder affecting the eye muscles. The eye muscles may also have insufficient space in the eye socket or not be able to move properly as a result of adhesions.

Squinting can distort the vision with both eyes. Spatial vision may be distorted, for example, or you may have double vision. Squinting can also result in permanent visual impairment.