The short answer
In the first few months of life a baby's eyes can wander now and then, and that is normal. A squint that is still there after about three months, that is constant, or that appears in an older child does not usually go away on its own and should be seen by an eye specialist. Waiting can let the turning eye become lazy, which is much harder to treat later. Treatment may be glasses, patching, eye exercises in some cases, or surgery.
See a verified eye specialistMedically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
"It will go away": why waiting is risky
Many families are told a squint is a sign of luck, that the child will grow out of it, or that it is nothing to worry about. A true squint means the eyes are not working together. The brain starts to ignore the image from the turned eye, and that eye's sight can fail to develop. This lazy eye responds best to treatment while the child is young, so early assessment matters.
A squint can also, rarely, be the first sign of another eye problem, including a cataract or a tumour at the back of the eye, which is another reason a specialist should look.
Signs to watch for
- One eye turning in, out, up or down, all the time or some of the time
- Closing one eye in bright light
- Tilting or turning the head to look at things
- Bumping into things, or poor hand-eye coordination
- A white or odd reflection in the pupil in photos. See a doctor promptly for this
What treatment may involve
A false squint, where wide skin folds at the nose make the eyes look crossed, is common in babies. A specialist can tell you quickly if that is all it is.
- Glasses, which fully correct some squints, especially when a child is long-sighted
- Patching the good eye, or drops in it, to make the weaker eye work
- Surgery on the eye muscles, if the squint remains
What it costs on Mezo
One fixed price, paid online.
Common questions
At what age should my child see an eye doctor for a squint?
As soon as you notice a squint that lasts beyond about three months of age. There is no age too young to be examined.
Will glasses fix my child's squint?
Sometimes fully, sometimes partly. The child may still need patching or surgery.
Is squint surgery needed in every case?
No. Many children are treated with glasses and patching alone.
Can I book a children's eye specialist on Mezo?
Yes. Book a verified eye specialist. Any procedure is quoted in writing after the assessment.
The procedures
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Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Squint. NHS. Patient information.
- What is strabismus?. American Academy of Ophthalmology. Patient information.
- Eye tests for children. NHS. Patient information.
Links last checked 23 October 2026.
Medical disclaimer: This guide is general information and does not replace advice from your own doctor. Where your centre's instructions differ from this guide, follow theirs.