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Cet article est à titre informatif uniquement et ne remplace pas un avis médical. En cas de doute, contactez votre pédiatre ou sage-femme.

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Baby Squinting (Strabismus)

In the first 3-4 months, occasional squinting in babies is completely normal — the eye muscles need to learn to coordinate both eyes. But if squinting persists after month 4, occurs constantly, or always affects the same eye, it needs ophthalmological evaluation. Early treatment is crucial.

Causes Possibles

  • 1Immature eye muscles (normal in the first 3-4 months)
  • 2Broad nasal bridge (pseudostrabismus — looks like squinting but isn't)
  • 3Farsightedness (hyperopia) — most common cause of true strabismus
  • 4Family predisposition (squinting often runs in families)

Ce Que Vous Pouvez Faire

  • Ophthalmological examination — the earlier the better (by the 4-6 month check-up at latest)
  • Glasses (even for babies!): corrects farsightedness and can resolve the squinting
  • Occlusion therapy (patching): the stronger eye is patched for hours to train the weaker one
  • Vision therapy (orthoptics): special exercises to coordinate both eyes
  • Surgery: for severe squinting, eye muscles can be surgically corrected

Quand Consulter un Médecin ?

  • Squinting persists after month 4 → see ophthalmologist
  • One eye squints CONSTANTLY (not just occasionally)
  • Whitish reflex in the pupil in photos (instead of red eye reflex) → see ophthalmologist IMMEDIATELY
  • Baby constantly tilts their head (forced head position can indicate squinting)
  • One eye suddenly deviates after age 1 (new onset squinting = always investigate)

Notes Selon l'Âge

0-3 months: Occasional squinting is NORMAL — eye muscles are still maturing. 4-6 months: Squinting should stop. If not: ophthalmologist. 6-12 months: Critical phase for visual development. The earlier squinting is detected, the better the prognosis. 1-3 years: Occlusion therapy (patching) has the best success at this age. From 7 years: Amblyopia (lazy eye) is harder to treat — so act EARLY!

Questions Fréquentes

How can I tell if my baby is really squinting?
Do the light reflex test: hold a torch about 30 cm in front of your baby's eyes. The light reflexes should appear in the SAME position in both pupils. If one reflex is offset, true squinting may be present. Pseudostrabismus (broad nasal bridge) is harmless and resolves as the face grows.
Is it bad if I see the ophthalmologist late?
The earlier the better! The brain suppresses the image from the squinting eye to avoid double vision. This develops amblyopia (lazy eye), which is barely treatable after age 7. Therefore: squinting from month 4 = ophthalmologist appointment.

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Cet article est à titre informatif uniquement. Il ne remplace pas un avis médical individuel. En cas de préoccupation, contactez votre pédiatre, sage-femme, ou appelez les urgences.