Strabismus

A Vision Disorder

Strabismus, commonly known as crossed-eyes, is a condition in which the eyes do not properly align with each other when looking at an object. One eye may turn inwards, outwards, upwards, or downwards while the other eye looks straight ahead. This misalignment can be constant or intermittent.

Causes

Strabismus can result from various factors, including:

  • Muscle Imbalance: The muscles that control eye movement may not work together properly.
  • Nerve Issues: Problems with the nerves controlling the eye muscles can lead to misalignment.
  • Vision Problems: Conditions like farsightedness can cause the eyes to work harder to focus, leading to misalignment.
  • Genetics: A family history of strabismus increases the likelihood of developing the condition.
  • Medical Conditions: Certain conditions, such as cerebral palsy or Down syndrome, are associated with a higher risk of strabismus.

Types

  • Esotropia: The eye turns inward.
  • Exotropia: The eye turns outward.
  • Hypertropia: The eye turns upward.
  • Hypotropia: The eye turns downward.

Symptoms

  • Misalignment of the eyes
  • Double vision
  • Difficulty with depth perception
  • Eye strain or discomfort
  • Tilting the head to see better

Diagnosis

Strabismus is typically diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam that may include:

  • Visual acuity tests
  • Refraction to determine the need for glasses
  • Alignment and focus tests

Treatment

Treatment for strabismus depends on its cause and severity. Options include:

  • Eyeglasses or Contact Lenses: Corrective lenses can help if the strabismus is related to vision problems.
  • Prism Lenses: Special lenses that can bend light entering the eye, reducing the amount of turning the eye must do to view objects.
  • Vision Therapy: Exercises designed to improve eye coordination and focusing.
  • Surgery: In some cases, surgery on the eye muscles may be required to correct the alignment.

Complications

If untreated, strabismus can lead to complications such as:

  • Amblyopia (Lazy Eye): When the brain ignores input from the misaligned eye, leading to poor vision in that eye.
  • Impaired Depth Perception: Difficulty judging distances.

 

Early detection and treatment are crucial for preventing long-term vision problems associated with strabismus.

Contact us to discuss your Strabismus and how we can help.