Strabismus
Is there a cure for strabismus? Information on the causes, symptoms, and treatments for the condition known as crossed eyes.
Symptoms and Causes
Strabismus is a condition that causes a lack of coordination and parallel alignment between the eyes. This disorder causes each eye to point in a different direction, leading to both a loss of visual capability and an aesthetic disturbance. The primary visual issue that strabismus may cause in children is amblyopia, or lazy eye, which occurs because, due to the misalignment of the eyes, the deviated eye fails to focus on objects with the central part of the retina and, therefore, does not develop full visual potential.
Typically, there is one dominant eye with which the person sees clearly and looks in the desired direction, while the other eye does not maintain the desired position. However, strabismus is a condition that affects both eyes.
There are three types of strabismus, depending on the eye position:
- Convergent strabismus (esotropia): The eye turns inward, towards the nose. It is often associated with hyperopia and is most common in children between the ages of one and three years.
- Divergent strabismus (exotropia): The eye turns outward. It typically occurs in older children (between six and eight years old) or adults.
- Vertical strabismus: The eye deviates either upward or downward.
Strabismus leads to double vision and, in some cases, reduced vision in the misaligned eye. Therefore, treatments focus on restoring both binocular vision and aesthetic harmony.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of strabismus are:
- Crossed eyes
- Blurred or double vision (diplopia)
- Eye fatigue
- Light sensitivity
- Uncoordinated eye movements
- Neck pain from improper posture to improve vision
Causes
There are many reasons why strabismus may occur. Depending on the cause, three different types are identified:
- Comitant strabismus: The muscles function correctly, and both eyes move properly, but they are not aligned. In these cases, the deviation angle remains the same in any direction. This may be caused by a refractive error, such as hyperopia.
- Incomitant or paralytic strabismus: The angle of deviation changes depending on the direction of gaze. It is caused by a muscle failure, which may be paralyzed completely or have limited movement.
- Intermittent strabismus: A mild condition that the patient compensates for in daily life, making it imperceptible to others. It occurs in situations of fatigue or stress.
Risk Factors
Age is one of the most significant risk factors for strabismus, as it is much more common in children than in adults. Genetic predisposition, premature birth, or certain infections can increase the likelihood of developing strabismus.
Complications
Strabismus can significantly reduce the visual capacity of the affected individual.
Prevention
There is no known way to prevent strabismus.
What Doctor Treats Strabismus?
Ophthalmologists are the medical professionals specialized in the treatment of strabismus.
Diagnosis
Strabismus is diagnosed through an eye examination that includes:
- Visual acuity test
- Refraction exam
- Ocular occlusion test to determine the angle of strabismus
Since strabismus can lead to amblyopia (visual deficit in one eye), it is important to rule it out during the examination.
Treatment
Treatment is determined based on the type of strabismus and the age of the patient. The most effective treatments include:
- Glasses to correct the refractive error causing the condition
- Prisms (wedge-shaped lenses) to prevent double vision
- A patch over the dominant eye to stimulate the function of the affected eye's muscle and vision
- Visual therapy to exercise the eye muscles
- Surgery to strengthen the muscle and correct the aesthetic appearance
