Strabismus

Strabismus, also known as crossed eyes or squint, is a medical condition where the eyes are misaligned and point in different directions. This can be due to a problem with the eye muscles, the nerves that control them, or the brain's control over these muscles.

Causes of Strabismus

Strabismus can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Genetic predisposition: Family history can play a role in the development of strabismus.
• Premature birth: Babies born prematurely are at a higher risk of developing strabismus.
• Refractive errors: Uncorrected vision problems, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness, can contribute to strabismus.
• Eye injuries or diseases: Conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, or retinal detachment can cause strabismus.
• Nerve disorders: Conditions like cerebral palsy, stroke, or multiple sclerosis can affect the nerves that control eye movement.

Symptoms of Strabismus

The symptoms of strabismus may include:

• Crossed eyes or eyes that appear to be looking in different directions.
• Double vision (diplopia).
• Eye strain or fatigue.
• Squinting or closing one eye to see more clearly.
• Head tilting or turning to compensate for the misalignment.

Types of Strabismus

There are several types of strabismus, including:

• Esotropia: Crossed eyes where one eye turns inward.
• Exotropia: Wall-eyed or outward-turning eyes.
• Hypertropia: One eye turns upward.
• Hypotropia: One eye turns downward.

Treatment of Strabismus

Treatment for strabismus depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Options may include:

• Glasses or contact lenses to correct refractive errors.
• Prism lenses to align images and reduce double vision.
• Eye exercises (orthoptics) to improve eye coordination and strength.
• Surgery to adjust the length or position of the eye muscles.
• Botox injections to temporarily relax the eye muscles.

Complications of Untreated Strabismus

If left untreated, strabismus can lead to:

• Amblyopia (lazy eye): Reduced vision in one eye due to lack of use.
• Depth perception problems: Difficulty judging distances or spatial relationships.
• Cosmetic concerns: Strabismus can affect self-esteem and social interactions.

Diagnosis of Strabismus

Strabismus is typically diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination, which may include:

• Visual acuity tests to assess vision clarity.
• Cover tests to evaluate eye alignment and movement.
• Retinoscopy to measure refractive errors.
• Ophthalmoscopy to examine the internal structures of the eyes.