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Dec 20, 2024By Dr. Akanksha Priya
Strabismus, commonly referred to as "crossed eyes," is not only a cosmetic condition but happens when the eyes do not properly align with each other when looking at an object. In this condition, one eye may look straight ahead, and the other eye may deviate inward, outward, upward, or downward. It is not a cosmetic issue but also affects vision, depth perception, and the overall eye health.
According to the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS), about 2-4% of children in the United States have some form of strabismus. It can occur at birth or develop later during childhood.
Read below this article to learn about strabismus, its types, causes, symptoms, and testing.
Strabismus: What It Is and Types
Strabismus is a condition where the muscles controlling eye movement do not work together, causing the eyes to misalign. This condition can be constant or intermittent and can occur in one or both eyes. Children suffering from this condition face difficulty focusing both eyes on the same point, leading to double vision or impaired depth perception.
The different types of strabismus include
- Esotropia: One or both eyes deviate inward.
- Exotropia: One or both eyes deviate outward.
- Hypertropia: One or both eyes deviate upward
- Hypotropia: One or both eyes deviate downward
Causes
While the exact cause is yet unknown, the possible causes behind strabismus include
- In most cases, this condition develops due to muscular imbalance, which is why the ciliary muscles are not properly coordinated.
- Children who are farsighted may develop esotropia, as it can cause one eye to deviate inward.
- Neurological conditions that affect the brain, such as cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus, or brain injuries.
- A family history of strabismus
Symptoms of Strabismus
The common signs that you must look out for include
- Eyes do not appear aligned.
- Frequent squinting or closing one eye in bright light
- Tilting or deviating the head to see better
- Difficulty judging distance or depth
- Complaints of double vision
Treatment
It is important to treat the condition to prevent the development of further complications, including long-term vision problems such as amblyopia (lazy eye), where the brain starts to ignore signals from the misaligned eye, leading to vision loss. Corrective lenses are usually recommended by the doctor to align the eyes. The other treatment alternatives include eye patching and prism lenses to help correct the vision and improve coordination and alignment. Besides, eye muscle exercises play a helpful role in strengthening the eye muscles and improving coordination, particularly in cases of intermittent exotropia. In critical cases, surgery may also be performed to adjust the muscles controlling the eyes.
Takeaway
Strabismus is a common condition affecting millions of kids globally; early diagnosis and prevention are needed to avoid long-term visionary concerns. If you suspect any such signs in your kid, seek immediate medical attention.
