Strabismus, commonly known as crossed eyes, is a condition in which the eyes do not point in the same direction. It is a common eye disorder that affects children and adults alike, though it is more common in children. Strabismus affects 3-4% of the world’s population and is a leading cause of vision impairment in the United States.
Causes of Strabismus
The exact cause of strabismus is unknown but there are several potential contributing factors. Genetics is thought to play a role in many cases of strabismus. Studies have shown that up to 30% of individuals with strabismus have a family history of the disorder, suggesting a genetic component. Poor vision or other vision disorders, such as amblyopia, can also lead to strabismus.
Premature birth and certain medical conditions, such as cerebral palsy or Down syndrome, can also be associated with strabismus. These conditions can cause neurological problems that can lead to the development of strabismus. Injuries to the eyes or head, such as a broken bone or a stroke, can also cause strabismus.
Eye muscle disorders can also lead to strabismus. Often the eye muscles become weak or unbalanced, making it difficult for the eyes to work together. This can lead to crossed eyes or other forms of strabismus.
Finally, strabismus can be caused by underlying problems with the nerves that control the eye muscles. These problems can be caused by conditions such as myasthenia gravis and Grave’s disease.
Symptoms of Strabismus
The condition can cause a variety of symptoms, both physical and psychological, and can range from mild to severe.
The most common symptom of strabismus is the eyes pointing in different directions. One eye will turn inward, outward, upward, or downward, while the other eye stays in place. This misalignment of the eyes can cause vision problems, such as double vision, or a decrease in depth perception.
Another common symptom of strabismus is a lack of eye coordination. When one eye is misaligned, the eyes are unable to work together to focus on the same object. This can cause difficulty reading or tracking a moving object, such as a ball.
Another symptom of strabismus is poor depth perception. When the eyes are misaligned, it can be difficult to accurately judge distance or depth. This can lead to difficulty with activities such as sports or even navigating stairs.
Strabismus can also cause discomfort or fatigue in the eyes. If the eyes are misaligned, they can strain to stay in position and will become tired more easily. This can lead to headaches or an overall feeling of fatigue.
In addition to physical symptoms, strabismus can also cause psychological symptoms. Many people with strabismus are self-conscious about their eyes and may feel embarrassed or ashamed. They may also be uncomfortable with social situations, as they may feel like they are being stared at or judged.
Diagnosis of Strabismus
When diagnosing strabismus, the doctor will usually begin by asking questions and performing a physical examination. During the physical exam, the doctor will check the eyes for any signs of misalignment. They may also measure the patient’s vision by having them look at a chart or look through a series of lenses. The doctor will also check for any signs of eye disease or injury that could be causing the misalignment.
The doctor may also order additional tests to help diagnose strabismus. These tests might include a complete eye exam, a refraction test, or a cover test. A refraction test is used to determine if a person needs glasses or contact lenses to correct their vision. A cover test is used to look at how the eyes move in relation to one another.
Prevention of Strabismus
Fortunately, strabismus can be prevented in many cases. The first step in prevention is to identify any risk factors that may be present. For example, conditions such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and brain tumors can increase the risk of strabismus. If a family member has strabismus, it is important to alert the pediatrician at the earliest opportunity.
Regular eye exams are an important part of prevention. During an eye exam, the doctor will check for any signs of strabismus, as well as other vision problems. Eye exams should be done regularly by both children and adults.
It is also important to pay attention to any signs of strabismus. Some of the common signs to look out for include eyes that are not aligned properly, eyes that appear to be crossed, and difficulty focusing. If any of these signs are noticed, it is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible.
Treatment of Strabismus
The first step in treating strabismus is to perform a comprehensive eye exam. During the exam, the doctor will check for any signs of misalignment and assess the patient’s vision. They may also perform tests such as a refraction, retinoscopy, and retinal imaging. These tests can help determine the cause of the strabismus and the best course of treatment.
Once the cause of the strabismus is identified, treatment can begin. The most common form of treatment for strabismus is glasses. If the strabismus is due to an uncorrected refractive error, glasses may be all that is needed to restore normal vision and eye alignment.
Another form of treatment for strabismus is vision therapy. Vision therapy is a program of activities and exercises designed to improve eye coordination and alignment. These exercises can be done at home, or they may be prescribed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat strabismus. Surgery can be used to correct a misalignment that cannot be corrected with glasses or vision therapy. During the surgery, the muscles that control the eyes are tightened or loosened to realign the eyes. Surgery is usually reserved for cases where the strabismus is severe or has been present for a long time.
Regardless of the treatment chosen, the goal is to restore normal vision and correct the misalignment of the eyes. In many cases, treatment is successful and the patient can go back to their regular daily activities. However, strabismus can recur, so it is important to follow-up with regular eye exams to monitor the condition.