Crossed-eyes (strabismus)
Strabismus, a misalignment
of the eyes, is one of the most common eye problems in children, affecting
approximately 4 percent of children under the age of 6 years. The eyes (one or
both) may turn inward, outward, turn up, or turn down. At times, more than one
of these conditions are present. Strabismus is also called "wandering eye" or
"crossed-eyes."
What is amblyopia?
Amblyopia, also called "lazy
eye," is a condition in which vision does not develop normally during
childhood. Usually the child has one weak eye with poor vision and one
strong eye with normal vision. Two to three percent of the normal population
have ambylopia. There are many causes of amblyopia, but it occurs most
commonly with strabismus. Amblyopia may also result from other eye
conditions where one eye focuses better than the other, such as with
nearsightedness or farsightedness, or as a result of eye diseases, suc has
cataract.
What causes strabismus?
Experts do not completely
understand the cause of strabismus. However, strabismus results from failure of
the eye muscles to work together. The brain controls the eye muscles, which are
attached to the outside of each eye. About 50 percent of children with
strabismus are born with it. There appears to be a higher incidence of
strabismus in children with disorders that affect the brain, such as cerebral
palsy or hydrocephalus. Strabismus may also occur later in life as a result of
an illness, cataract, or eye injury.
All forms of strabismus have been found to cluster in families. Siblings and
children of an individual with strabismus may have an increased chance to also
develop it, however, a single inherited cause has not been identified.
What are the symptoms of strabismus?
It is
normal for a newborn's eyes to move independently and at times, even cross.
However, by three to four months old, an infant should be able to focus on
objects and the eyes should be straight, with no turning. If you notice that
your child's eyes are moving inward or outward, if he/she is not focusing on
objects, and/or the eyes seem to be crossed, you should seek medical attention.
Thirty to 50 percent of children with strabismus develop secondary vision loss
(amblyopia, also know as lazy eye). The onset of strabismus is most common in
children younger than 6 years of age.
The symptoms of strabismus may resemble other medical conditions. Always
consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.
How is strabismus diagnosed?
Early detection
and treatment can prevent permanent visual impairment. Strabismus is diagnosed
during an eye examination. Eye examinations are recommended for all children by
the age of 3. However, if your child is having symptoms of strabismus or other
eye disorders at any age, a complete eye examination should be performed.
Treatment for strabismus:
Specific treatment
for strabismus will be determined by your child's physician based on:
- Your child's age, overall health, and medical history
- The extent of the disease
- The cause of the disease
- Your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- Expectations for the course of the disease
- Your opinion or preference
Your child may be referred to an ophthalmologist (eye care specialist) for
treatment of this problem.
Treatment may include one, or more, of the following:
- Eyeglasses
- Eye drops
- Surgery to straighten the eyes
- Eye exercises
- Eye patch over the strong eye (if amblyopia is present) to improve the
weak eye
Strabismus cannot be outgrown. However, early treatment can prevent visual
impairment.