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Strabismus

 

Question: What is the eye condition called Strabismus?

 

Answer: Strabismus or Crossed-Eyes is a vision condition in which your eyes are not properly aligned with each other. For a variety of reasons, one or both eyes could be turning in, out, up or down. Coordination of your eyes and their ability to work together as a team develops in the first six years of life. Failure of the eye muscles to adjust properly in that time can lead to crossed-eyes. Strabismus may also have a tendency to be hereditary.

 

Children under the age of six are the ones most affected by strabismus. The condition often appears between birth and twenty-one months of age. It is estimated that five percent of all children have some type or degree of strabismus. Although rare, strabismus sometimes begins in adulthood, but this is usually the result of a stroke, tumor, or other vascular disease.

 

Children with strabismus may initially have double vision. This occurs because both eyes are not focusing on the same object. In an attempt to avoid double vision, the brain will eventually disregard the image from one eye. In time, the ignored eye will become unable to function normally. This may result in the development of yet another eye condition called amblyopia or lazy eye.

It is a common misconception that a child will outgrow crossed-eyes. A child will not outgrow crossed-eyes. In fact, the condition may get worse without treatment.

 

A comprehensive optometric eye health examination done by your Optometrist can determine the presence of strabismus or crossed-eyes. The earlier this condition is diagnosed, the greater the chance this eye condition can be successfully corrected. Treatment can include eyeglasses (regular or bifocal), prisms, vision therapy and in some cases, surgery.

 

The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends the following comprehensive eye health examination guidelines:

• Birth to 5 years: Immediately, if parents sense a problem, otherwise by age 3 and again prior to entering school.
• School age children 6-19 years: Annually or every 2 years.
• Over 19 years of age: Every 2 years or sooner if recommended by your Optometrist.

 

* All content is provided for education and information, and is no substitute for the advice of your optometrist. This information is provided courtesy of the British Columbia Association of Optometrists (B.C.A.O.). The B.C.A.O. assumes no responsibility or liability arising from any errors or omissions or from the use of any information contained herein.