Hannah Hampton and Strabismus

The 24-year-old goalkeeper defied the odds, playing a crucial part in England’s victory over Spain. She saved two penalties with her sharp reflexes, assured ball handling, and strong presence in goal.

What is strabismus?

Strabismus is an eye condition in which the eyes don’t align properly and look in different directions. It affects roughly 2–3% of children, if left untreated can lead to amblyopia (or lazy eye) and problems with depth perception, especially when viewing objects up close.

Hannah was diagnosed early and underwent three operations before turning four in an attempt to correct her vision. While not a complete fix, these procedures significantly reduced the condition’s impact, especially in a sporting context.

The impact of strabismus on vision

Children with strabismus often suppress input from the misaligned eye to avoid double vision. This can result in poor depth judgment at close range, making activities like catching a ball or pouring a drink more challenging.

In sports like football, where judging distances over 10–20 yards is key, depth perception plays a less critical role. This allowed Hannah to read long passes and react to shots from afar without major difficulty.

Treatment options for strabismus

Early intervention is essential. As Eye Care Professionals we advise parents to book an eye examination for their child if they spot a squint. Depending on the underlying cause, treatments may include:

· Prescription glasses: Correcting vision issues can sometimes help align the eyes.

· Patching therapy: Covering the dominant eye to strengthen the weaker one.

· Atropine eye drops: These blur the stronger eye, encouraging the weaker eye to work harder.

· Surgical correction: Often used in more pronounced cases, sometimes performed in infancy.

An inspiration for young athletes

Hannah Hampton’s rise from early vision challenges to elite-level football is truly inspiring. Her key role in England’s Euro 2025 triumph shows that early medical diagnoses don’t have to limit a child’s potential and can ensure they live their dreams!