Rise In Squint (Strabismus) Cases Among Children Post–COVID And Digital Overuse

Rise In Squint (Strabismus) Cases Among Children Post–COVID And Digital Overuse

• 10 Feb, 2026

Paediatric eye clinics now hear similar stories from parents across age groups. A straight gaze began drifting. Schoolwork became uncomfortable. Screens filled long indoor hours during lockdowns. Visual coordination quietly weakened during this period. 

Squint in children rarely arrives suddenly. It develops through small, repeated strain patterns. Parents seeking a squint specialist in Gurgaon now arrive with concern, confusion, and a need for grounded answers.

The Hidden Link Between Digital Screens And Eye Alignment

Modern childhood now involves constant focus on objects held just inches from the face. This habitual near-point stress forces the internal eye muscles to work in an unnatural, sustained state of tension. When these muscles fatigue, the brain struggles to keep both eyes pointing in the same direction. 

We observe that this exhaustion often leads to an intermittent inward turning of the eye. This condition does not simply vanish with rest once the habit becomes deeply ingrained in the child.

• The blue light emitted from tablets reduces the natural blink rate significantly.
• Lack of outdoor play prevents the eyes from practicing long-distance focusing.
• High-contrast digital interfaces cause the ocular muscles to spasm frequently.
• Small font sizes on mobile phones increase the demand for convergence.

How Post–COVID Routines Altered Visual Development

Extended indoor living reshaped childhood vision habits. Natural distance viewing is reduced. Eye muscles adapted to fixed near focus tasks.

During formative years, eyes learn teamwork through varied depth exposure. Screens flatten visual experience. Both eyes begin working independently rather than together.

This change often appears after months, not days. Parents notice head tilts, eye deviation, or reading discomfort. These signs reflect muscle imbalance rather than behavioural issues.

Early correction depends on recognising environmental triggers rather than blaming genetics alone.

Digital Overuse And The Mechanics Of Squint Formation

Digital devices demand sustained convergence. Young eyes lack endurance for prolonged near focus without breaks. This sustained demand stresses extraocular muscles. When imbalance develops, alignment control weakens.

Common contributing patterns include:

• Continuous online classes without visual rest cycles
• Recreational screen use replacing outdoor play
• Handheld device use at improper viewing distances

These habits reinforce muscle dominance on one side. Over time, alignment slips become habitual. Recognising these patterns allows timely intervention before structural changes set in.

Why Early Assessment By Eye Squint Surgeons Matters

Parents often delay consultation due to uncertainty. Squint rarely causes pain, which reduces urgency perception. However, untreated misalignment affects binocular vision development. Depth perception and reading fluency suffer quietly.

Eye squint surgeons in Gurgaon evaluate muscle coordination, neural response, and visual acuity together. This holistic view distinguishes temporary deviation from progressive strabismus.

Early assessment widens non surgical treatment options. Delayed evaluation narrows them. Clinical timing influences long term visual outcomes significantly.

Treatment Approaches Focused On Function Rather Than Appearance

Modern squint management addresses vision function first. Cosmetic correction alone does not resolve coordination issues. Treatment plans vary by age, severity, and adaptability. Conservative approaches often precede surgical consideration.

Key non surgical strategies include:

• Structured visual exercises targeting muscle balance
• Corrective lenses addressing refractive triggers
• Monitored occlusion when suppression exists

Surgery becomes relevant when muscle imbalance resists therapy. Even then, functional rehabilitation continues afterward. Parents should view treatment as a process, not a single event.

Why Long-Term Follow-Up Is Essential After Squint Correction

Squint correction does not end with alignment. Follow up ensures stability during growth phases. The best eye specialist doctor in Gurgaon monitors visual development milestones. Adjustments follow behavioural and academic demands.

Children grow quickly. Visual systems must adapt alongside physical changes. Regular review prevents relapse. Long term care also addresses emotional confidence. Children sense visual differences early. Supportive care improves compliance.

Parents play a role by reinforcing visual hygiene habits at home.

The Emotional Layer Parents Often Overlook

Squint affects social interaction subtly. Children may avoid eye contact or struggle with coordination tasks. Early intervention reduces self awareness issues later. Addressing vision early protects confidence alongside function.

Parental reassurance and understanding improve treatment response. Fear delays care. Awareness accelerates improvement. Vision care during childhood shapes learning and self expression patterns.

Conclusion

The rise in childhood squint reflects lifestyle shifts rather than isolated medical trends. Post pandemic routines reshaped visual development in unexpected ways. Timely evaluation, structured care, and consistent follow up remain essential. At Drishti Eye Centre, we guide families through this journey with clinical balance, patience, and long term perspective focused on healthy visual growth.