latent squint

latent squint

Deviation of an eye from the visual axis that occurs by covering one or more eyes. With both eyes open, the visual axes are aligned. When one eye is covered, it deviates. Minimal heterophoria is present in most people and asymptomatic. Small latent divergent squints are common in children up to age 5 and, because they’re not associated with adverse effects, don’t require intervention. Small latent convergent squints are often accompanied by hypermetropia, for which corrective lenses are prescribed to prevent squint progression.