What is Strabismus?
Strabismus is a condition in which the eyes are not properly aligned with each other. The eyes may turn in (esotropia), turn out (exotropia), or deviate up or down (vertical strabismus). Strabismus can occur at any age but is most common in young children.
Strabismus can cause several problems. First, it can lead to amblyopia, or “lazy eye.” This is because the brain starts to ignore the images from the eye that turns. As a result, that eye doesn’t develop properly and becomes weaker.
Second, strabismus can cause double vision. This happens because the brain is trying to process two different images at the same time. Double vision can be very confusing and frustrating.
Third, strabismus can affect a person’s depth perception. This is because the brain must work harder to process the images from the two eyes. As a result, people with strabismus may have trouble judging distances.
What are the symptoms of Strabismus?
The most obvious symptom of strabismus is that the eyes do not appear to be looking in the same direction. This can result in a “cross-eyed” or “wall-eyed” appearance. Other symptoms of strabismus may include:
- Eyestrain
- Headaches
- Double vision
What causes strabismus?
The exact cause of strabismus is unknown, but it is believed to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Most people with strabismus are born with it, although it can develop later in life. Strabismus is more common in children than adults. It affects about 4% of the population.
How is strabismus treated?
Strabismus can be treated with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery. The goal of treatment is to align the eyes so that they work together. This can help to improve vision and prevent amblyopia.
If you or your child has strabismus, it is important to see an eye doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. If left untreated, strabismus can lead to amblyopia (“lazy eye”), which is a permanent loss of vision in the affected eye.
Dr. Walid Abdalla at Orbit Eye Center specializes in treating strabismus in adults and strabismus in children. Call us to book an appointment on +971 4 874 3399 or reach us on WhatsApp at +971 55 407 2911.
