# Squint eye affects 1.81% of global population, study finds 2026-08-22T19:02:22+00:00 | Health & Science | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet A recent study estimates that horizontal strabismus, commonly known as squint eye, affects 1.81% of the global population, or about 138.5 million people. Exotropia, where the eye turns outward, affects an estimated 1.14% (87.5 million people), while esotropia, where the eye turns inward, affects 0.67% (60 million). The pattern has shifted across generations, with exotropia now more common worldwide. The World Health Organization recognises strabismus as a condition requiring long-term monitoring and treatment, noting it is a cause of amblyopia or reduced vision from abnormal visual development. Treatment options include glasses, eye exercises, and surgery to adjust eye muscles, with early intervention reducing the impact on vision. ## Indian Opinion Analysis Squint is often detected in childhood but can develop in adults due to diabetes, stroke, or thyroid eye disease. Early screening is critical because the brain may suppress the image from the misaligned eye, leading to permanent vision loss if untreated. The study's finding that parts of South Asia remain under-represented in research means prevalence estimates for India may be incomplete. Parents should watch for children tilting their head or closing one eye in bright light. A sudden squint in an adult requires prompt medical evaluation. ## Coverage - thehindu.com Straightforward medical explainer with no government or ideological slant This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above. Tags: amblyopia, strabismus, WHO Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/squint-eye-affects-1-81-of-global-population-study-finds/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/squint-eye-affects-1-81-of-global-population-study-finds/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes. How this brief was made: an AI model read the report linked above and wrote this summary and analysis, which were published automatically. Published briefs are sampled every hour by an automated quality check; the editor verifies its findings and approves corrections, and corrected briefs carry a dated correction line. We do no original reporting. Methodology: https://indianopinion.org/ai-use-policy/