A squint could be your eyes’ warning sign
It often starts with something easy to dismiss.
A toddler tilts her head while watching television. A student struggles to read the whiteboard and begins squinting in class. A parent avoids driving at night because oncoming headlights seem unusually bright.
Many eye conditions develop gradually, with subtle signs that are easy to overlook. According to Dr. Fazilawati Binti A. Qamarruddin, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Pediatric Ophthalmologist at Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City, two of the most common eye conditions affecting Malaysians across different age groups are squinting, medically known as strabismus, and cataracts.
A squint occurs when the eyes are misaligned and point in different directions. One eye may look straight while the other turns inward, outward, upward, or downward.
More than a childhood condition
Although commonly associated with children, squinting can occur at any age and may affect vision, depth perception, learning, and self-confidence.
According to Dr. Fazilawati, uncorrected refractive errors are a common cause, although squints may also result from nerve disorders, neurological conditions, trauma, or tumors affecting the brain or eye sockets. In adults, a squint may persist from childhood or appear suddenly. Cases accompanied by double vision require immediate medical attention to rule out serious underlying conditions.
Studies estimate that between 2% and 4% of children worldwide have strabismus. While that percentage appears small, it translates to thousands of Malaysian children, many of whom remain undiagnosed until their school performance or social interactions are affected.
Dr. Fazilawati said children with severe long-sightedness may develop inward-turning eyes because of the extra effort required to focus. In many cases, properly prescribed glasses can correct the problem. However, she cautioned that a newly developed squint should always be investigated promptly because it could signal a life-threatening condition such as a tumor.
Threat of a lazy eye
One of the most serious consequences of untreated squinting is amblyopia, commonly called lazy eye.
According to Dr. Fazilawati, when one eye provides clearer vision than the other, the brain gradually favors the stronger eye. Over time, the weaker eye receives less stimulation and loses visual function.
Because of this risk, early screening is critical. Dr. Fazilawati recommends vision checks by age three and again before children enter primary school.
Studies in Malaysia have found that refractive errors are among the most common eye problems and can often be corrected easily with glasses when detected early.
Parents should watch for warning signs such as frequent squinting, head tilting, sitting too close to the television, or recurring headaches. According to Dr. Fazilawati, early intervention can mean the difference between a simple treatment and lifelong visual impairment.
Cataracts remain a leading cause of vision loss
While squinting often affects children, cataracts are more commonly associated with older adults.
The condition causes the eye’s natural lens to become cloudy, resulting in blurred vision, glare, faded colors, and difficulty driving at night. Cataracts typically develop after age 60 but can appear earlier among people with diabetes, smokers, and those exposed to excessive sunlight.
In Malaysia, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma remain among the leading causes of adult blindness.
Dr. Fazilawati said early eye examinations are important because updated prescriptions may help maintain vision and postpone surgery. However, many patients seek treatment only after their eyesight has deteriorated substantially.
Faster recovery through modern surgery
Advances in cataract treatment have made surgery safer and recovery quicker than many people realize.
Modern cataract surgery commonly uses a technique known as phacoemulsification, which employs ultrasound to break up the cloudy lens through a small incision.
According to Dr. Fazilawati, the smaller incision allows for faster healing, with many procedures performed on a day-surgery basis. Most patients can resume light activities within a week, while full visual recovery typically occurs within two weeks.
Protecting vision in a digital age
Aside from aging, lifestyle factors such as smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, and excessive ultraviolet exposure can increase the risk of cataracts and other eye diseases.
At the same time, growing screen use has become a concern, particularly among children and teenagers. Extended screen time has been linked to worsening short-sightedness.
To reduce eye strain, Dr. Fazilawati recommends following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, spend 20 seconds looking at an object about 20 feet away.
Don’t wait for symptoms
Many eye conditions progress slowly, making regular examinations essential.
Dr. Fazilawati recommends a comprehensive eye examination by age 40, while children should undergo screening before starting school. People with diabetes should have annual eye checks because diabetic retinopathy can advance quickly but remains treatable when detected early.
Early diagnosis can preserve vision, improve learning outcomes, and maintain independence. Waiting for symptoms to worsen may mean missing the chance for simpler and more effective treatment.
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