Regular eye examinations are very important for young children as the visual system is constantly developing until the age of 8. A squint is a relatively common condition affecting around one in twenty children. Under normal circumstances the eyes work together by looking in the same direction. The brain combines these images to allow us to see the world. A squint occurs when the two eyes do not look in the same direction. In order to avoid seeing double the brain learns to ignore the image from the squinting eye. As a result, the eye with the squint, or turn, develops Amblyopia, or a 'lazy eye'. There are 4 types of squint: Esotropia, where one eye turns in. Exotropia, where the eye turns out. Hypertropia, where the eye turns up and Hypotropia, where the eye turns down. Your practitioner will routinely check for lazy eyes. These tests are generally quick, easy to understand and fun for children!