Strabismus (Crossed Eyes): Straightening the Path
Understanding Strabismus
Introduction
Strabismus, commonly known as crossed eyes, is a condition where the eyes do not properly align with each other when looking at an object. This condition can occur at any age and can affect one or both eyes. Left untreated, strabismus can lead to vision problems like amblyopia (lazy eye) or even permanent vision loss. In this first part of the series, we’ll explore what strabismus is, its causes, symptoms, and how early diagnosis is crucial to successful treatment.
What is Strabismus?
Strabismus is an eye condition in which one eye looks directly at the object of focus while the other eye turns inward, outward, upward, or downward. This misalignment prevents the eyes from working together, which can cause double vision, eye strain, and vision problems over time.
Types of Strabismus
- Esotropia: One or both eyes turn inward, commonly referred to as crossed eyes.
- Exotropia: One or both eyes turn outward, often referred to as wall-eyed.
- Hypertropia: One eye turns upward.
- Hypotropia: One eye turns downward.
What Causes Strabismus?
Strabismus can be caused by several factors, including:
- Imbalance of eye muscles: Six muscles control eye movement. If these muscles don’t work together, the eyes may point in different directions.
- Refractive errors: Conditions like nearsightedness or farsightedness can cause strain that leads to strabismus.
- Neurological or developmental issues: Problems with the brain’s control of eye movement can also lead to strabismus.
- Genetics: Strabismus can run in families, with some children inheriting the condition from their parents.
Symptoms of Strabismus
The most obvious sign of strabismus is misalignment of the eyes, but other symptoms include:
- Double vision
- Difficulty with depth perception
- Eye strain or headaches
- Eyes that do not move together
- Tilting or turning the head to see better
Importance of Early Diagnosis
Detecting and treating strabismus early is critical for preventing further complications, especially in children. Left untreated, it can lead to amblyopia, where the brain favors one eye over the other, causing the weaker eye to lose vision.
