Understanding Strabismus: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Strabismus, commonly referred to as being cross-eyed, is a condition where the eyes are misaligned — one eye may look straight ahead while the other turns inward, outward, upward, or downward. This misalignment can cause double vision, difficulty coordinating eye movements, and poor depth perception. Many individuals with strabismus feel self-conscious about their appearance and may avoid direct eye contact.
What Causes Strabismus?
Normal vision depends on the coordinated effort of six muscles surrounding each eye. These muscles work together to ensure both eyes focus on the same point. When these muscles do not function properly or are unbalanced, the eyes become misaligned.
If the brain receives two different images from the eyes, it often favors the stronger eye, causing the weaker eye to lose strength over time. This condition can lead to amblyopia, also known as “lazy eye.”
Risk Factors for Strabismus Include:
- Family history of strabismus or amblyopia
- Premature birth or low birth weight
- Certain neurological or genetic conditions
- Eye injuries or illnesses affecting eye muscles
- Uncorrected refractive errors (like farsightedness)
Symptoms of Strabismus
- Visible eye misalignment
- Double vision
- Difficulty with depth perception
- Eye strain or headaches
- Squinting or closing one eye to see better
Treatment Options for Strabismus
Treatment depends on the severity and cause but may include:
- Prescription glasses or contact lenses
- Eye patching or vision therapy to strengthen the weaker eye
- Botox injections to temporarily relax eye muscles
- Strabismus surgery to realign the eye muscles
Early intervention is crucial to prevent long-term vision problems and improve appearance and function.
We Can Help with Adult Strabismus
If you or a loved one experiences symptoms of strabismus, don’t wait to seek professional care. Our experienced eye care specialists offer comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans to help improve your vision and quality of life.
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