Strabismus (Crossed Eyes)
Strabismus, often referred to as “crossed eyes” or “wandering eyes,” is a common eye condition that affects the alignment of the eyes. It occurs when the eyes do not point in the same direction simultaneously, leading to a misalignment that can be constant or intermittent. Strabismus can impact both children and adults, and it may vary in severity. This condition not only affects the aesthetics of the eyes but can also lead to visual disturbances and decreased depth perception. Our team of ophthalmologists specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of strabismus to help individuals achieve optimal eye alignment and visual comfort.
What Is The Main Cause of Strabismus?
Strabismus, or the misalignment of the eyes, can have various causes, and it often results from a combination of factors. The primary causes of strabismus can be broadly categorized into the following:
- Muscular Imbalance: One of the most common causes of strabismus is a muscular imbalance within the eye.
- Refractive Errors: Refractive errors, such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), or astigmatism, can contribute to strabismus, especially in children.
- Hereditary Factors: Strabismus can have a genetic component. If a family member has a history of strabismus, there may be an increased risk of the condition occurring in other family members.
- Neurological and Health Conditions: Certain neurological and medical conditions can lead to strabismus. These may include cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, brain tumors, head injuries, and other conditions that affect the nervous system or eye muscles.
- Childhood Development: In some cases, strabismus may develop as a result of normal childhood development.
Strabismus can manifest in various forms, including esotropia (inward deviation), exotropia (outward deviation), hypertropia (vertical deviation), and hypotropia (vertical deviation). The specific cause and type of strabismus can vary from person to person.
Symptoms of Strabismus
- Eyes that look misaligned.
- Eyes that do not move together.
- Frequent blinking or squinting, especially in bright sunlight.
- Tilting the head to look at things.
- Faulty depth perception
- Double vision