I Thinik My Baby Girl Has A Squint

[yeti]

Hi,

My daughter is 5 months old, and I think that she has a squint: when she looks at something right in front of her, her left eye is a lot closer to her nose than her right eye.

How old does she need to be before anything can be done about it?

Thxs

[torrenova]

I thought the same of my daughter and hit the net for information. Loads out there so google away.

Overall, the decision should not be left too long seems to be the answer. But, I'd say unless it is permanently biased vision, then her eyes could still be adjusting to depth and perception etc. How is she at following your finger ? or picking things up ? She's too young to walk yet so balance is not applicable.

My daughter has improved to the stage where I am quite confident that she will not need assistance but at 13 months, she is a lot older than yours.

The problem in Thailand is that doctors in the main, apart from some good ones, re just cash businesses and they will sell you anything they can, including appointments and courses of treatments.

When In London a few months ago I went to the Moorfields eye hospital, one of the best in the world with photos ovr different ages and I got some honest, non fee paying advice. Babies develop at different rates and growth and development of different parts of the anatomy occurs at different speeds. Not all babies are the same.

They suggest I closely mnitor the situation but not too closely as I may catch a glimpse where she is a little cross eyed as she moves her vision around but rather to get a general feeling over the forthcoming weeks and months. If no progress was noticed then they suggested we go to whatever clinic is available in this specialist field, not your regular doctor.

I know there is a place in bangkok whose name escapes me but seriously, unless very bad, I would not worry too much at 5 months and judge her over time. Perhaps do some research and gain some confidence. I'm sure all will be well but it is good that you are on top of this.

[t.s]

every baby i have known is crosseyed to some extent and 90 percent grow out of it as their heads and noses change shape. keep an eye on it, but dont worry about it. it will pass.

[maccaroni man]

your baby is old enough to be taken for an eye exam, however for best results go to a pediatrics eye specialist and if your child is a mix i.e Thai/western I am told by people who have gone thru this before that you will probably want to see a doctor who has experience with mixed kids as their eyes are different from Thai only children. good luck

[yeti]

Thank you for your answers.

From what I found on the net, it's normal for younger babies to squint, but at 5 months old I should worry.

I was thinking about waiting for the 6 month visit to the hospital, but I'll try to bring her to an eye specialist before that.

your baby is old enough to be taken for an eye exam, however for best results go to a pediatrics eye specialist and if your child is a mix i.e Thai/western I am told by people who have gone thru this before that you will probably want to see a doctor who has experience with mixed kids as their eyes are different from Thai only children. good luck

You would not happen to know such a specialist?

Otherwise I'll try my luck at Rutnin eye hospital or Samitivej Sri Nakarin children hospital.

Btw, I'm also worrying because I developped some eye problems when I was 3 years old, and I'd prefer if my daughter did not have to go through the same problems as I did (wearing glasses at 3 with an eye covered or partially covered then an operation at 5 is not a lot of fun...)