Strabismus

What is Strabismus?

Strabismus is a condition in which the eyes do not align properly, meaning one eye may look straight ahead while the other eye turns inward, outward, upward, or downward. Strabismus can occur intermittently or constantly and may affect one or both eyes. This misalignment can lead to problems with depth perception, binocular vision, and, in some cases, amblyopia (lazy eye) if left untreated.

Types of Strabismus

Esotropia: In esotropia, one or both eyes turn inward toward the nose. This type of strabismus is often seen in young children and can be constant or intermittent. Congenital esotropia, which appears in infancy, may require early surgical intervention.
Exotropia: Exotropia occurs when one or both eyes turn outward, away from the nose. It is often intermittent, especially when the child is tired or daydreaming. This type of strabismus is more common in older children and can affect depth perception.
Hypertropia and Hypotropia: These types of strabismus involve vertical misalignment, where one eye is higher (hypertropia) or lower (hypotropia) than the other. This can lead to double vision and difficulty coordinating eye movements.
Intermittent Strabismus: Some people experience intermittent strabismus, where the eyes only become misaligned at certain times, such as when focusing on distant objects or when fatigued.

Symptoms of Strabismus

Eyes that appear misaligned (crossed or drifting)
Difficulty with depth perception
Double vision (in some cases)
Head tilting or squinting to see clearly
Eye strain or discomfort
Difficulty reading or focusing on objects
Amblyopia (lazy eye) if untreated, where one eye becomes weaker due to underuse

Causes of Strabismus

Strabismus can develop due to a variety of factors, including:

Genetics: A family history of strabismus can increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Refractive errors: Uncorrected vision problems such as farsightedness can lead to eye strain and misalignment.
Nerve or muscle problems: Issues with the muscles or nerves controlling eye movement can lead to misalignment.
Neurological conditions: Strabismus can sometimes result from a neurological disorder affecting eye coordination.

Treatment Options for Strabismus

Glasses or Contact Lenses: If strabismus is caused by a refractive error, corrective lenses may help align the eyes by improving focus and reducing eye strain.
Patching Therapy: For children with amblyopia (lazy eye), patching the stronger eye can encourage the weaker eye to work harder, improving vision and alignment.
Vision Therapy: Vision therapy involves a series of eye exercises designed to improve coordination, strengthen eye muscles, and enhance binocular vision. It is often used in combination with other treatments.
Prism Lenses: Special prism lenses can help reduce double vision and realign the eyes in cases of mild strabismus.
Strabismus Surgery: In more severe cases, strabismus surgery may be required to adjust the position or length of the eye muscles, allowing the eyes to work together and align properly. Surgery can be performed in both children and adults and often significantly improves both function and appearance.

Early Detection and Treatment

Early diagnosis and treatment of strabismus are crucial in preventing long-term vision problems such as amblyopia. Children should have regular eye exams to detect any signs of misalignment. In adults, untreated strabismus can cause issues with depth perception and lead to social or psychological concerns due to the appearance of the eyes.

Comprehensive Strabismus Care

Our team of specialists offers comprehensive care for strabismus, from diagnosis to treatment, using the latest advancements in vision therapy and surgical techniques. We tailor our approach to each patient, ensuring that both children and adults receive the most effective care for their unique needs.

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