Strabismus (crossed eyes) is a visual defect in which the eyes are not properly aligned with each other, meaning that each eye looks in a different direction. Although in most cases, one eye is dominant and the other deviates, it is also possible for both eyes to wander to the right or left. Some strabismus cases may appear before the age of six months (congenital strabismus) and others years later, even in adulthood. This is one of the common pediatric eye conditions.
What causes Strabismus?
Strabismus can be caused by various factors. Since ocular alignment is controlled by the brain, any disorder affecting the central nervous system can lead to strabismus: a severe fever, an illness, or even stress suffered by children as a result of changing schools or parental separation, etc. Strabismus is a result of weak eye muscles, nerve issues related to transmitting information to the brain, or a disorder that affects the brain, such as Down syndrome or cerebral palsy.
How to spot Strabismus
In many newborns, as they learn to adjust to their new surroundings their eyes wander. But when they reach 3 months, the baby should be able to master the ability to keep both eyes together to focus on an object. The primary way to recognize strabismus in your child is by noticing that their eyes are not aligned. Other symptoms include:
Eyes that don’t move together
Frequent blinking or squinting
Double vision
Headaches
Eyestrain
In young children, with strabismus, the eyes continue working, although the eye misalignment may lead to double vision. But in time, the brain will ignore signals from one eye to prevent double vision, and, as a result, that eye can become weaker. If strabismus is left untreated it may lead to amblyopia, which is when one eye has decreased vision and vision loss.
How can Strabismus be Prevented?
Strabismus cannot be prevented but can be detected early. To correct strabismus properly, it is very important to detect the disorder before the age of seven. Although the deviation can be corrected after this age, vision in the affected eye cannot be restored.
Strabismus Treatment Options
There are a variety of treatment options for strabismus. Your child’s ophthalmologist will determine the most effective treatment for your child. Strabismus treatment options include eyeglasses, vision correction therapy, and eye surgery. Depending on your child’s age and eye alignment, one or more types of treatment may be recommended. Babies and very young children with an inward-turning eye (esotropia) may need surgery or glasses. Strabismus surgery on the eye muscles helps align eyes properly and allows good vision to develop. If your child is over 2, prescribed special eyeglasses may be used to help focus and straighten the eyes. Patching or blurring might be recommended to help strengthen a misaligned eye that is weaker than the other. Sometimes children are taught to do certain eye muscle exercises to help focus both eyes inward. If glasses, prisms, patching, or eye exercises do not help, surgery is recommended.
Strabismus (Crossed Eyes) Surgery
Strabismus surgery is often done to correct the alignment of a child’s eyes. During this surgery, the ophthalmologist will make a small cut in the tissue covering the eye to reach the eye muscles. The muscles are then repositioned to help the eyes point in the same direction. After surgery, most children can get back to their daily routine in about 2–3 days.
Strabismus surgery is usually a safe and effective way to treat eye misalignment. However, it does not replace eyeglasses, patching, or blurring if the ophthalmologist recommends them too. Strengthening your child’s eye muscles is very important for good vision.
Conclusion
Strabismus, or crossed eyes, is a common eye condition in children where the eyes do not align properly. Treatment for strabismus in children is crucial as it can affect the child’s vision development. The treatment options include eyeglasses or contact lenses, which can correct vision problems that may contribute to crossed eyes. In some cases, eye patches may be used. However, it’s important to note that each child’s case is unique and the treatment plan should be individualized. Therefore, a thorough evaluation by a pediatric ophthalmologist is essential.
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